WOMEN CAN LEAD by Marsha Faith M. Barrera

 

BY:

MARSHA FAITH M. BARRERA

OLLCF SSG PRESIDENT (2021-2022) & FEATURE WRITER

         

 Men are considered to be stronger physically and emotionally, and should dominate women in numerous fields. In the Philippines, where patriarchy (or the  system of society or government in which men wield authority) has long been established in our culture since we were colonized by the Spaniards. Women are stereotyped as submissive and reliant on males.

       Men are supposed to lead the house, have a career, and make family decisions in this type of system, while women are expected to stay at home, watch the kids, do the laundry, and be the "caring" wife at the end of the day. Men may easily get away with making discriminatory or misogynist remarks about women, particularly as our current presidential candidate, who drips sexism and misogyny, does all the time. However, when women raise their voices to express their feelings and experiences, they are labeled as "loud" and other derogatory terms in order to silence them.

           Even in today's times, when several women have risen up and decided to follow their own paths rather than living under men's spotlights, prejudice and injustice persist, whether in the workplace or in other sectors of society.

                                                                                                   A photo from Google.com

          Women have struggled for equal rights and representation for generations, such as the ability to vote, equal pay, and control over their own bodies and choices. Although we have overcome some of these challenges, there is still a long way to go as patriarchal and misogynistic attitudes persist in our modern culture.

       According to Pew Research Center (2020), Majorities in most European countries polled, as well as Japan, South Korea, Israel, Australia, Canada, and the United States, believe men have more opportunity than women to attain high-paying employment. When it comes to being community leaders, more than half of males in Nigeria, South Korea, Japan, Turkey, Israel, Lebanon, Italy, Tunisia, Greece, France, and Slovakia believe men have more opportunities than women because they are perceived to have "strengths and skills." 

      These gender inequalities would be better closed or addressed if our government implemented more laws that tried to properly defend and enhance women's rights not only in their economic contribution but also in the family, education, health, and politics. However, there are still not enough women in positions of influence, particularly in politics.

           Women confront several challenges that men will never understand. That is why we need more female leaders. We need more female leaders who understand what it's like to be excluded. Someone who understands our problems and has the fortitude to disrupt and destabilize the system that has been tormenting us for so long.

          A woman can be more than a mother, wife, sister, and other labels we have acquired; she can also be a front-liner, an inspiration, a change-maker, and a leader capable of crafting a brighter future for our country.

           Relating to myself, when it comes to leadership, I'm not beginner. I had experienced in leading and organizing various events and activities in my previous school. At the age of 12, I started to be active in leading a school groups/ organizations like Yes- O, Supreme Pupil Government, President in subject Clubs and now, a SSG President in SHS Department. 

              As a young girl student leader, I can create alternative solution and I'm dedicated in work. My endeavor is to find and implement innovative ways for the advancement of the school community that aims to help the students as well as the teachers. What I'm trying to say is, We may even go above and beyond what society expects of us since, as women, we have boundless potential. The achievements of those who came before us serve as reminders that we can always win our battles if we work together to achieve them.

             I'm using my platform to inform people that do not underestimate what women can do. We need to choose a leader who's capable in handling issues and problem. A leader that has a clean record. A leader that developed the skills and strengthen their level of competencies to lead with critical thinking. Especially now, the voting day is near. We should vote for our country. A person that can serve and guide us for the better future. The best man for the job is a woman. 

REFERENCES

1. Google, (2022). https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ADni-VEPeG5A7ztV7mgOQZGnzEZHbRglugEich2xtB2P6VShv6XG5MCfN1SYone-ybz-Mw-t4m1s4RI4mHSinVhiNhMHzpzYPn7NcY8ACdypepsRm-xTPtsBiZg6RZBnXEJLTqeOOngwemyIFRqiv65-EMcroccH_N_QUgHvLBSRtHZsHz9Kwdmw/s1200/278505842_3101649446818898_8499533402826756356_n.jpg

2. Google, (2022). https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQAOMrKZH6msDVVQGrIgMX-MCu7vbax6a1V5xcuflYf7xZ6Dmj5KPHaJkHvlKyS5WrRO84fcX6ErU_zmK-xEdxIGiiowDqaj3ksu6aSiLEt3Ljg0gHEaGZA6CSyHcammiYx51108cYZcleiPexe_XR1AiGIc9jY-CMGZWapjpZp-FwpPS5LGg7c4uC/s580/Gender-pay-gap-580x358.jpg

3. Pew Research, (2020). Worldwide optimism about future of gender equality, even as many see advantages for men. https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2020/04/30/worldwide-optimism-about-future-of-gender-equality-even-as-many-see-advantages-for-men/