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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 !!!