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Gender and Society

• Presented by: Jennifer Tuttuh-Composa

• Affiliation: Psychology Department, Western Mindanao State University

Human Rights

• Date: 3/4/2025

• Concept of Human Rights:

  • Viewed as birthrights of individuals.

  • Recognized and claimed through law enforcement.

  • Law is a means to assert and claim these rights.

  • Slide reference: Carolina Ruiz-Austria

Herstory of Women's Rights

• Overview of women's status a century ago:

  • Faceless: Women had no identity in the societal narrative.

  • Voiceless: Women lacked the platform to express their opinions.

  • Nameless: Women were not recognized as individuals in society.

Women Breaking Silence

• Date: 3/4/2025

• Key Points:

  • Women courageously broke silence.

  • Emergence of organized and collective efforts through women’s movements.

  • Slide reference: Aurora de Dios

Achievements of Women's Collective Efforts

• Date: 3/4/2025

• Areas of success through collective efforts:

  • Rights to suffrage, education, employment, health, and political, economic, and social participation.

  • Highlighted the collective struggle for recognition and rights in society.

  • Slide reference: Aurora de Dios

Women in the Philippines

• Overview of significant historical aspects and rights:

  • Equal access to property and inheritance.

  • Marriage based on equal consent; dissolution of marriage possible.

  • Shared household duties and parental rights between husbands and wives.

  • No stigma attached to virginity prior to marriage.

  • Absence of prostitution during the pre-Spanish period.

  • Women's attire influenced by climatic conditions.

Babaylan

• Role of Babaylan:

  • Associated with religion, medicine, astrology, and philosophy.

  • Typically, Babaylan leaders were women (approximately 80%).

Impact of Spanish Colonization

• Decline of Babaylan's influence due to Christian conversion.

• Shift in rituals with the entry of male Babaylan.

Oppressive Conditions during the Spanish Period

• Forms of oppression:

  • Government and church enforced oppressive measures.

  • 'Maria Clara' epitomized the ideal woman.

  • Women expected to embody virtues of martyrdom, obedience, and endurance.

• Institutional changes:

  • Men proclaimed as authority figures in households.

  • Women's education limited to affluent families; primarily teaching.

  • Babaylan labeled as heretics and stripped of power.

American Colonial Period

• Women's rights gained:

  • Suffrage granted in 1937.

  • Increased participation in educational activities.

• Societal challenges:

  • Presence of colonial mentality promoting Eurocentric beauty standards.

Japanese Period Challenges

• Economic hardships:

  • Women subjected to arduous work for low wages in cotton plantations.

• Violent atrocities:

  • Women faced torture, murder, and sexual abuse (e.g., comfort women).

Role of Women During War Era

• Contributions of women:

  • Hiding weapons and caring for the sick and wounded.

  • Engagement in various roles such as homemakers and workers.

Post-War Developments

• Roles continued:

  • Women continued to serve as nurturers, caregivers, and held diverse jobs.

Women in the Economy

• Noteworthy contributions referenced from PHC:

  • Health sector involvement showcased in visual aids.

Women & Non-Traditional Jobs

• Employment sectors highlighted in visual representation.

Conclusion

• Gratitude expressed in closing: Thank you.

• Cultural expression: ALHAMDURILLAH !!!