Women in the Philippines: Historical Context and Contributions to Feminism

Describe the evolution of the role of Filipinas in society.
Distinguish Filipinas who advanced modern Feminism in the Philippines and their responses to oppression and inequality.
Create a timeline reflecting the evolution and contributions of feminism in the Philippines.

Social Structures:
- Bilateral kinship system valued both maternal and paternal lineage.
- Women had significant power within clans, were entitled to property, and had agency in decisions.
- Women could engage in trade and access divorce.
- In the absence of a male heir, women could become village chiefs.
Achievements and Roles:
- Women could attain status as medicine women, high priestesses, and astrologers.
- Hara Udaya (Queen Urduja):
- A legendary warrior princess, symbolizing female power and leadership in the region.
Marriage and Household:
- Marriages were arranged, with dowries paid by grooms.
- Women played a primary role in household management and had autonomy over reproductive choices, including abortion.
Economic Contributions:
- Active participation in the economic life, with some women leading clans or taking part in battles.

Colonial Influence:
- Spanish colonization imposed foreign moral and cultural codes, enforcing female subjugation.
- Women were relegated to domestic roles, limited from public engagement.
Cultural Changes:
- Traditional values of chastity and purity were promoted to restrain women's freedom.
Revolution and Activism:
- Recognition of women's roles by the propaganda movement, although largely male-led.
- Formation of masonic lodges, e.g., Logia de Adopcion.
Key Contributions:
- Women significantly contributed to the Philippine revolution, although their roles often went unacknowledged.

Public Sphere and Activism:
- Women’s groups emerged focusing on charity and social services, largely managed by men.
- Organized key movements like the Associacion de Damas de la Cruz Roja and Liga Femenina de la Paz spanning from 1899 to 1937.
Movements and Achievements:
- Women fought for suffrage, rights to education, and improved labor conditions.
Observations about Women's Movements:
- Prior movements were male-dominated, yet opened doors for women, granting liberties previously denied.
- Goals were significant for many Filipino women, yet often centered around traditional roles.

Emerged in the 1960s and 70s, aligned with nationalist and communist causes.
Groups include:
- MAKIBAKA - Advocated for women's issues embedded in broader socio-political struggles.
- PILIPINA - Focused on mainstreaming women's concerns in societal reforms.
- GABRIELA - Acknowledged as a political party advocating for women's rights.

Leticia R. Shahani:
- Former senator, led various initiatives for women’s rights.
Patricia B. Licuanan:
- Chairperson for the Commission on Higher Education; advocated for women’s rights at the global level.
Teresita Quintos Deles:
- Peace advocate and politician fostering dialogues on women’s issues.
Mary John Mananzan:
- Feminist activist and educator, recognized for her contributions to women's studies.
Mary Christine L. Tan:
- Religious leader and advocate for women’s rights in religious contexts.
Joi Barrios:
- Poet, activist, and academic, promoting the voice of women through literature.
Lorena Barros:
- A key figure in the anti-dictatorship movement, founding MAKIBAKA.
Raissa Jajurie:
- Advocate for Muslim women's rights and justice in the Bangsamoro.
Roselle Ambubuyog:
- First visually impaired Filipina to graduate with honors, focusing on educational equity.
Rosa Henson:
- First Filipina comfort woman who broke silence on wartime sexual violence.

Emphasis on addressing concrete issues faced by Filipino women, contrasting with ideologically driven movements in the West.
Strong grassroots movements led by NGOs focusing on women-oriented development.