Morgado, Janine Airah B.

Gender & Society

BSP 1C

REFLECTION PAPER: MAGNA CARTA OF WOMEN

“A mother, sister, friend, niece, daughter, and children – how much do we value them?”

When it comes on treating women, do you treat them as much as how you treat
your father, your uncle, or your male elders? Do you give importance and attention to
their rights?

It is painful to know how women on history got narrowed down in the society; from
deprivation of education to abuse, from lack of freedom to injustice. For such a long
period of time, women suffered and tried to fight such dilemma. And so, on August 14,
2009, Republic Act No. 9710 much known as Magna Carta of Women was signed by
Pres. Macapagal Arroyo and came into effect on September 15, 2009. It came as a
joyous daybreak to end the long night of captivity and torment.

As a youth of the modern age, I must say that I’m thankful with high degree of
gratification and joy that this act was signed and was acknowledged by our government
and countrymen. Filipinos are not heartless and inhuman after all. We are
compassionate, warm-hearted, kind, and merciful among our fellow men. It is such a big
leap of acceptance and acknowledgement on the long battle of women against
non-acceptance from society. My heart is overwhelmed by joy for the reason that little
by little, we are going against the mistakes of history. Ignorance and prejudices are
slowly making their way out of our perceptions, judgment, and understanding.

I hope and pray that every women in our country as well as around the world, may
have the courage to fight for their rights, go against abuse and discrimination, teach
their children the right way to treat other people. May we, the youths of the new century,
have the wisdom and courage not to repeat the mistakes and shortcomings of history,
instead begin the new chapter of human equality and harmony.
 REFLECTION PAPER: IMPERATIVES ON RESPECTING WOMEN’S RIGHTS

Everyone is worthy of respect and acceptance. We might not be fully aware about
it but it is part of the human nature to seek for those two significant elements. You can’t
“respect” one person greater than the others and vice versa. Respect cannot be
measured in percentage nor in affection. It is what it is. But, how confident are you that
you respect everyone? How certain are you that you are not in favor to one gender
among others? Males from females?

As stated by Article 2, Section 14 of the 1987 Constitution, “the state recognizes

the role of women in nation building, and shall ensure the fundamental equality before
the law of women and men.” It clearly states that the law of men and women are the
same. They are equal in value and importance, no one is superior against the other.
But, do we really see them as it is?

It is very important that law like this truly exist. It serves as a constant reminder for
each end everyone that equality among their fellow men, regardless of their gender,
must be maintain and follow. Discrimination is inevitable. There are always people who
contradict the law and right human conduct and act the way they pleases, but it doesn’t
mean that everyone should be like that and ignore what right morality is. At present,
discrimination among women still exist; harassment, abuse, non-acceptance, etc. The
idea of it being right still lingers among the mind of the fools and primitive.

As a youth, it is crucial for every students to have an opportunity like this (attending
webinars about human rights) because it greatly helps our consciousness and
knowledge about the law. It enlightens our mind on factual information that are
necessary to daily life and actions. It is a great opportunity to break free from ignorance
that people in history embraces for such a long period of time. It is time to change the
“normality of women abuse”. Woman rights are human rights.