Walking down the bustling streets of Manila, the vibrant energy of the city was overshadowed once again by an unwelcome intrusion – catcalls and unsolicited comments. It’s a discomfort I share with my mother, sister, and friends, an all-too-common experience for women here that raises troubling questions: Why does the objectification of women persist in the Philippines, and is it so deeply ingrained in our societal norms that it will pervade for the foreseeable future?
Against this disheartening backdrop, the prospect of women venturing into leadership roles emerges as a beacon of hope. Women, embodying strength and capability, are courageously stepping into arenas traditionally dominated by men, challenging the ingrained norms that cast a long shadow over female leadership.
Even still, one can’t help but notice the pervasive comments and attempts to downgrade these women, solely based on gender. This unfortunate reality reveals the underlying biases that still permeate society, especially in arenas that are still tethered to masculine ideals, such as leadership. Female politicians’ campaigns become crusades against the status quo, with platforms rooted in social justice, healthcare, education, and economic reforms. These women confront not only the challenges facing them in their domains, but also the prevailing biases that question a woman’s ability to lead.
As I contemplate these issues, my thoughts drift back to my history lessons about pre-colonial Philippines. In that era, our Inang Bayan – motherland – operated under its own system, distinct from the influences that would later shape our society. Social structures were communal, and women were valued for their contributions as nurturers, healers, and leaders. Gender roles were fluid, with opportunities and responsibilities distributed based on abilities rather than being rigidly defined. Our language, too, was devoid of any default assumption of male superiority. In the pre-colonial Philippines, we had what we called babaylans. Babaylans were women who served as traditional spiritual leaders, healers, and community organizers in pre-colonial Philippine society. The babaylans were revered leaders and held significant influence within indigenous communities, serving as intermediaries between the physical and spiritual realms, as well as advisors and mediators in matters of governance and conflict resolution.
This cultural tapestry underwent a radical transformation with the arrival of the Spanish colonizers. Their power and influence spanned 333 years and left an unforgettable mark on our societal fabric. Spain introduced a different set of rules deeply rooted in patriarchal structures, using religion, a potent tool of colonization, to propagate doctrines that marginalized women, disrupting the once-egalitarian balance that defined our motherland. During the Spanish colonial period, the archetype of the “Maria Clara” emerged as a symbol of the idealized Filipino woman. However, this portrayal was largely shaped by Spanish ideals of femininity, emphasizing modesty, purity, and subservience to men. While the image of Maria Clara became ingrained in Filipino literature and cultural narratives, it perpetuates a narrow and restrictive view of women’s roles in society, influenced by foreign standards rather than indigenous traditions.
Fast-forwarding to American colonization, the Philippines found itself navigating through a new chapter, and new difficulties. Despite its independence from Spain, the Philippines still had Western ideals infiltrating its education systems, sidelining women’s roles in historical narratives. The struggle for gender equality faced new hurdles, and our stories were overshadowed by imported ideologies.
The irony struck me as I walked through the streets of Manila – the streets where our colonizers also once walked. The walls, halls, and roads of the oldest universities echoed with the past, the colonizers who tormented Filipinos. Perhaps these streets were where the roots of patriarchy took hold, leaving an enduring impact on our society.
This journey of understanding is not just about our past; it’s an odyssey to unravel patriarchy. Efforts towards reclaiming our pre-colonial roots, with their inclusive and egalitarian values, could serve as a starting point. Acknowledging the diversity and strength of women in our history, amplifying their stories, and challenging ingrained norms are essential steps. As we navigate the bustling streets of Manila, we carry the weight of history on our shoulders. The catcalls and objectification become not just personal experiences but reflections of a societal struggle that spans centuries. Can we break free from the shackles of colonial influence and redefine our cultural narrative?