Name: Franchesca Alyssa P.

Mercado
Course & Section: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, PSY42
Subject: G-SOSC001 IEE31 Philippine History
Professor: Jumel G. Estrañero

Girls Supporting Girls: Unveiling Feminism through the Thorns of Philippine Culture

I. Introduction and Background of the Study

Delving into how the Philippine culture and traditions have influenced the notion of girls
supporting girls, the idea of women supporting and uplifting each other has initiated to promote
unity and collaboration among others. Cultural practices or beliefs that foster female
empowerment and solidarity has evolved over time. Contributing authors specifically Mylene D.
Hega, Meggan Evangelista, and Veronica Alphorha explored the challenges and barriers that
women in the Philippines face, and how the support of fellow women help overcome these
obstacles.
The inclusiveness of the women's movement in the Philippines has evolved through a
prolonged history marked by participation and struggle during various historical periods. In a
nation shaped by a challenging colonial past, it becomes crucial to situate the pivotal role of
women in the pursuit of independence. The experiences and contributions of Filipino women
across different historical junctures mirrored the prevailing societal conditions, shaping the
nature of their ongoing struggle. While the women's movement in the Philippines has made
substantial strides in achieving economic, political, and social equality, significant challenges
persist. Areas such as political representation and economic opportunities still grapple with
disparities, and the pervasive impact of patriarchy continues to manifest through aggression and
violence, enduring into the present.
The onset of a compelling era marked significant milestones in the history of the
women's movement in the Philippines. One significant development during this period was the
establishment of the women's suffrage movement, which fought for women's right to vote. Led
by strong and determined women such as Pura Villanueva Kalaw and Concepcion Felix de
Calderon, the movement gained momentum and eventually succeeded in achieving suffrage for
Filipino women in 1937.
This achievement was a major milestone in the fight for gender equality in the
Philippines and paved the way for women to participate more actively in politics and other
spheres of society. The suffrage movement also highlighted the importance of women's rights
and sparked further discussions and actions towards women's empowerment and the recognition
of their contributions to society. These women, along with many others, fought tremendously for
the rights of Filipino women’s movement in the Philippines today.
In an era where a generation is increasingly self-aware, there has been a consistent
challenge to the societal status quo, traditions, and conventions, advocating for a more diverse
and inclusive world. As individuals strive for greater self-awareness, Filipinos have identified
gender as a crucial aspect of their lives that requires deeper understanding, expression, and
celebration. The rapid ascent of technology and the prevalence of social media have facilitated
easier access to information, making gender a trending topic online and bringing to light the
gender issues affecting the Philippines.
Women are supporting other women, especially in campaigns today that are championed
by young Filipinas. According to the Women’s Legal and Human Rights Bureau, young feminists
are actively engaged in advocacy efforts, taking to the streets, establishing online communities,
and spearheading a feminist revolution on their own terms. Hashtags such as #BabaeAko (I am a
woman) and #HijaAko (I am a young woman) have garnered widespread support, prompting
Filipinas to share personal stories of sexual harassment, condemn rape culture in the Philippines,
and challenge instances of sexism and misogyny. They are promoting a more personal and
emotive approach to foster meaningful dialogues on these issues, strongly resonating with the
everyday experiences of Filipina women.
Moreover, supporting each other has a profound impact on individuals. It fosters a sense
of belonging and sisterhood, provide a support system for women to share experiences, seek
advice, and find inspiration. When women are empowered, they become agents of change,
positively creating an impact with their friends, families, and society as a whole. By continuing
to celebrate one another, women in the Philippines are creating a society wherein contributions
are recognized, and values are nurtured.
II. Conceptual / Theoretical Framework

Interconnected Nature of the Issues and The

Importance of Collaboration Within the
Feminist Movement

Historical and Intersectional Systematic and Collective

Cultural Context Approach Individual Action and
Oppression Solidarity
(Independent (Independent
(Independent (Independent
Variable) Variable)
Variable) Variable)

Empowerment and
Amplification of
Diverse Voices
(Dependent Variable)

Figure 1. Conceptual Framework of the Study

This conceptual framework for feminism in the Philippines encompasses various
essential elements. Initially, it acknowledges the historical and cultural backdrop in which
feminism has evolved in the country, encompassing the influence of pre-colonial matriarchal
societies, colonization, and the imprint of Western feminist ideologies. Secondly, the framework
underscores the intersectional character of feminism in the Philippines, understanding that
women's experiences are shaped by a confluence of factors such as class, race, ethnicity, religion,
and sexuality. This approach aims to address the distinctive challenges encountered by different
groups of women, fostering inclusivity within the feminist movement. Furthermore, the
framework underscores the significance of confronting both systemic and individual forms of
oppression, recognizing that patriarchy and other social structures contribute to the
marginalization of women. Feminism in the Philippines endeavors to challenge and dismantle
these structures while concurrently empowering women on an individual level. Lastly, the
framework acknowledges the importance of collective action and solidarity, appreciating the
influence of grassroots movements, organizations, and networks in instigating social change. In
the Philippines, feminism advocates for collaboration and the amplification of diverse voices to
foster a more just and equitable society.
III. Analysis
The title "Girls Supporting Girls: Unveiling Feminism through the Thorns of Philippine
Culture" suggests a complex and multifaceted exploration of feminism within the unique cultural
context of the Philippines. The use of "Girls Supporting Girls" implies a focus on solidarity and
mutual empowerment among women, reflecting a positive and collaborative aspect of feminism.
Simultaneously, the reference to the "Thorns of Philippine Culture" introduces the idea that the
feminist journey in the Philippines may not be without challenges, indicating a nuanced and
potentially difficult path.
The phrase "Girls Supporting Girls" encapsulates the empowering essence of feminism,
emphasizing a collective effort among women. This theme implies a narrative that celebrates the
strength and support found within female communities. It sets the tone for a positive exploration
of how women in the Philippines come together to uplift one another, transcending individual
challenges through collective empowerment.
The metaphorical use of "Thorns of Philippine Culture" introduces a layer of complexity
and challenges to the narrative. The term "Thorns" suggests obstacles or difficulties embedded
within the cultural fabric. This points to the idea that the feminist movement in the Philippines
must navigate and overcome cultural barriers, shedding light on the intricate dynamics and
potential conflicts that shape the journey of women in the pursuit of gender equality.
The term "Unveiling" adds a sense of metaphorical depth to the title. It implies a
deliberate and revealing process, suggesting that the narrative will peel back layers to expose the
intricacies of feminism within the cultural tapestry of the Philippines. This indicates an
exploration that goes beyond the surface, inviting readers to discover hidden truths and gain a
deeper understanding of the feminist movement in this specific cultural context.
The title hints at an exploration of intersectionality within the feminist narrative. By
acknowledging the "Thorns of Philippine Culture," it suggests a recognition that women's
experiences are shaped by various intersecting factors such as culture, class, race, ethnicity,
religion, and sexuality. This intersectional lens promises a nuanced analysis that considers the
unique challenges faced by different groups of women in the Philippines.
The title suggests an examination of how cultural influences shape the identity and
experiences of women participating in the feminist movement. It implies an inquiry into
historical influences, colonial legacies, and contemporary cultural dynamics that contribute to the
formation of a distinctive feminist identity within the Philippines. This cultural identity
examination adds depth to the narrative by considering the roots and evolution of feminism in
the region.
The juxtaposition of "Girls Supporting Girls" and the "Thorns of Philippine Culture"
creates a dual narrative, suggesting a tension or contrast between empowerment and challenges.
This duality invites readers to explore a nuanced and complex story that balances positive
solidarity with the acknowledgment of cultural difficulties. The title also implies a call to action
by using the term "Unveiling," encouraging readers to actively engage with the narrative,
uncover hidden aspects, and participate in the ongoing discourse of feminism within the
Philippine cultural context. In this way, the title not only describes the content but also sets the
stage for a dynamic and interactive exploration.

IV. Policy Recommendation

Policy recommendations stemming from the exploration of "Girls Supporting Girls:
Unveiling Feminism through the Thorns of Philippine Culture" would aim to address and
improve the conditions for women within the unique cultural landscape of the Philippines. Here
are several policy recommendations:
Advocate for educational reforms that integrate feminist perspectives into the curriculum,
highlighting the historical contributions of women and the evolution of feminism in the
Philippines. This could involve the inclusion of diverse voices and narratives in textbooks, as
well as the incorporation of gender-sensitive pedagogy.
Implement cultural sensitivity training programs for educators, policymakers, and
professionals to deepen their understanding of the diverse cultural factors influencing women's
experiences in the Philippines. This training should promote awareness of intersectionality and
the challenges women face within specific cultural contexts.
Call for legal reforms that address gender-based discrimination and violence. This could
include reviewing and amending existing laws to ensure they align with international standards
on women's rights and provide effective mechanisms for redress in cases of gender-based
violence or discrimination.
Allocate resources and support for grassroots feminist initiatives that promote women's
empowerment at the community level. This could involve funding for women's organizations,
community workshops, and projects that address local challenges faced by women.
Advocate for policies that promote gender inclusivity in the workplace, addressing
specific challenges faced by women in different professions and sectors. This could involve the
implementation of flexible work arrangements, equal pay measures, and initiatives to combat
workplace harassment.
Develop and implement policies that enhance women's access to healthcare services,
particularly in rural areas. This could include initiatives to improve maternal health, provide
reproductive health services, and address the specific health needs of women from diverse
backgrounds.
Develop guidelines or policies that encourage positive and empowering representations
of women in media. This could involve collaboration with media organizations to promote
diverse portrayals of women and counter harmful stereotypes that may perpetuate gender
inequality.
Support and fund community-based programs that focus on the holistic development of
women, addressing both their economic and social needs. These programs could include skills
training, mentorship initiatives, and projects that empower women to actively participate in
community development.
 Encourage and fund research initiatives that focus on understanding the nuanced
experiences of women within the Philippine cultural context. This could involve collecting data
on specific challenges faced by women in different regions, thereby informing targeted policy
interventions.
Facilitate networking and collaboration between governmental bodies, non-governmental
organizations, and grassroots movements to create a synergistic approach to addressing women's
issues. This could involve the establishment of platforms for ongoing dialogue and collaboration.
These policy recommendations aim to create an enabling environment for the
empowerment of women in the Philippines, recognizing and addressing the challenges unveiled
through the exploration of feminism within the country's cultural thorns.
IV. Message to your Professor

Dear Sir Estrañero,

I would like to thank you for your efforts during our onsite and online classes in
Kasaysayan. Given that our classes fall on a Saturday which sometimes may create conflict with
your schedule, you still make time for us, even for me since I am an irregular student. You never
made me feel out of place whenever there are onsite classes. You make sure that students like me
don’t get left behind. There are only a few professors like you, and I am grateful for that.
You are an awesome professor. Whenever you discuss lectures onsite, you are very laid
back. I don’t feel any pressure. And when I feel like my classmates state the wrong answers on
our recits you give them the chance to think of a better answer or you correct them yourself. You
are not a terror prof.
I wish you nothing but the best on your law school journey. I believe you are going to
make it. You are very driven not only with teaching in class but also being in your classes in law
school. Good luck with your future endeavors and Advance Congratulations, Atty. Estrañero!
VI. References:
Hega, M., Alporha. V., & Evangelista M. (2017, August). Feminism and the Women's Movement
in the Philippines: Struggles, Advances, and Challenges.
https://library.fes.de/pdf-files/bueros/philippinen/14072.pdf

Li, J. (2022, June 29). A History of Feminism and Gender Equality in the Modern Philippines.
EDUCATUM Journal of Social Sciences, 8(1), 31-42.
https://doi.org/10.37134/ejoss.vol8.1.4.2022

Lau, S. (2021, November 4). The Modern Age of Filipino Feminism: Digital Activism, Social
Media, and Gendered Disinformation. https://fma.ph/2021/11/04/the-modern-age-of-filipino-
feminism-digital-activism-social-media-and-gendered-disinformation/

Asia Society. (2023). Women in the Philippines: Inspiring and Empowered.

https://asiasociety.org/philippines/women-philippines-inspiring-and-empowered