The female participants' reaction to a literal male gaze gave rise to this sub-theme titled

sexualization. Most of them, according to the data above, were wary of being sexualized if a
male stared at them for more than a few seconds. There have been many cases of sexual
harassment against women in every country and so, it is not surprising that women are now
cautious in presence of men. One participant also stated that males occasionally make offensive
jokes that sexualize women. Based on the responses of the participants, this theme is defined as
"being seen in an offensive and sexual way."

An unexpected sub-theme emerged from participants’ responses titled self-efficacy defined

in this study as, “Valuing one’s thought and opinions over others.” Most of the respondents think
that other men or other people’s general opinion of them is not more important than their own for
they trust their own judgement when it comes to their character, because they believe they know
themselves better than other people do. Although one participant admitted that it affects her, she
also believed that her own perception is more important than others’.(Orig)

An unexpected sub-theme emerged from participant responses titled self-efficacy, which was
defined in this study as "valuing one's own thoughts and opinions over those of others." Most of
the respondents believe that other men's or other people's general opinion of them is not more
important than their own for they trust their own judgment when it comes to their character
seeing as they know themselves better than others do. Although one participant admitted that it
has an impact on her, she also believes that her perception is more important than others'.
 The female participants' reaction to a literal male gaze gave rise to this sub-theme titled
sexualization. Most of them, according to the data above, were wary of being sexualized if a
male stared at them for more than a few seconds. There have been many cases of sexual
harassment against women in every country and so, it is not surprising that women are now
cautious in presence of men. One participant also stated that males occasionally make offensive
jokes that sexualize women. Based on the responses of the participants, this theme is defined as
"being seen in an offensive and sexual way."

“Pwede rin tumaas yung chance na mas mababastos yung mga babae. Yung kahit alam
mong joke lang, yung joke lang sakanila pero nakakabastos na rin.”

An unexpected sub-theme emerged from participant responses titled self-efficacy, which

was defined in this study as "valuing one's own thoughts and opinions over those of others."
Based on the responses, most of the participants believe that other men's or other people's
general opinion of them is not more important than their own for they trust their own judgment
when it comes to their character seeing as they know themselves better than others do. Although
one participant admitted that it has an impact on her, she also believes that her perception is more
important than others'. Here is the exact response of this participant as follows above

“Hm… siguro maapektuhan ako lightly, iisipin ko lang siya for sometime or ilang oras…
okay let it go na, let it slip away na. Mas importante yung tingin ko sa sarili ko kesa
saibang tao.”

In line with the previous sub-theme is autonomy specified based on participants

interpretation as “Being in charge of one’s self.” The respondents demonstrated independency as
they depend on their own perception in terms of how they present themselves to others. Most of
them believed men’s approval is unnecessary and choose to be their unique self instead of
adjusting to men’s standard which gives them full control of themselves on how they act, dress
and feel. Some of the above participants stated:

“kahit yung kuya ko may mga sinasabi… dinedeadma ko siya, para sakin anong pakeilam
mo. Ako naman yung may control sa sarili ko.”

“Stop living for the approval of men... Respect yourself and all the women around you..
Just wear all the clothes that makes you feel beautiful and confident.”