Notes on Discrimination Based on Gender (Sexism)

Pre-Colonial Era

  • Babaylan at Lider:
  • Women were leaders, healers, and warriors (Salazar, 1998).
  • Women had rights to participate in politics, own land, and divorce (Aguilar, 2010).
  • No strict gender roles; men and women had equal roles in society.

Colonial Period: Spain (1565 - 1898)

  • Beginning of Sexism:
  • Colonialism introduced rigid gender roles and oppressed women.

Colonial Period: America (1898 - 1946)

  • Education but Unequal Treatment:
  • Women gained access to education but faced discrimination.

Japanese Occupation (1941-1945):

  • Sexism and Violence Against Women:
  • Severe sexism and abuse; many women were forced into sexual slavery as "comfort women".
  • Many victims remained silent due to fear.

Post-Colonial Issues:

  • Current Challenges for Gender Equality:
  • Discussion on how to achieve true gender equality in the Philippines.

First Wave of Feminism

  • Women’s Suffrage:
  • Began in the U.S. in 1920 and in the Philippines in 1937.
  • Goals: The right to vote and changes in laws to empower women.
  • Achievements included women's suffrage and access to higher education.

Second Wave of Feminism (1960-1980s)

  • Achievements:
  • UN CEDAW (1979) - an international treaty to eliminate discrimination against women.
  • Formation of GABRIELA (1984) and important policies including the 1987 Family Code.
  • Policies aimed for maternity leave and equal pay, striving for equal treatment in workplaces.

4B Movement (2010s)

  • A movement that started in South Korea fighting against oppression, misogyny, and societal expectations on women.
  • Four No's Campaign:
  • No dating, No sex, No marriage, No childbirth.
  • Influenced global feminist movements through social media.

4 I’s of Oppression

  • Institutional:
  • Issues in work such as access to better schools and positions.
  • Ideological:
  • Cultural discrimination, colonial mentality, beauty standards.
  • Internalized:
  • Harmful patriarchy and denial of opportunities.
  • Interpersonal:
  • Bullying, including discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals.

Sexism in the Philippines

  • Gender Wage Gap: Women earn less than men for the same roles (Philippine Statistics Authority, 2022).
  • Underrepresentation: Fewer women in STEM and leadership.
  • Education and Work: Enduring gender stereotypes in schools and workplaces.
  • Glass Ceiling Effect: Few women in leadership roles.
  • Sexism in Media and Politics: Women in politics often judged on appearance and personal lives (David, 2016).

Effects of Sexism

  • Impact on Men:
  • Men feel pressure to be dominant and less emotional, leading to higher mental health issues (Connell & Messerschmidt, 2005).
  • Societal Impact:
  • Economic potential is hindered by gender inequality, creates a cycle of discrimination.
  • LGBTQIA+ Community: Faces discrimination due to rigid gender norms, impacting access to jobs and education (HRW, 2017).

Class Activity

  • Theme: 4 photos, 1 answer
  • Instructions: Find the keywords related to concepts presented from photos, using answers to definitions provided later.

Literary Pieces Discussion

  • “Ang Pagiging Babae ay Pamumuhay sa Panahon ng Digma” by Joi Barrios:
  • Highlights the continuous struggle of being a woman in a patriarchal society and the effects of war on women's lives.
  • “Si Juana Ang Nagsilang” by Patria Teodoro:
  • Affirms the strength and resilience of women, challenging traditional roles and expressing a desire for equality and recognition.

Conclusion: Traditional Depictions of Women in Literature

  • Common Portrayals: Women depicted as weak and dependent, while men are strong and powerful.
  • Literature Evolution: More works show strong women fighting for their rights, indicating literature reflects societal changes toward gender perceptions.