Women should be each other’s bearer, supporter and fan, not the otherwise, not a critique, a basher

nor a shamer in any aspect. After all, we share the same DNA, thus, we women would most likely know
and understand the weight of the loads and burdens our roles and responsibilities put on us. Of all the
many roles each women play, a daughter, a sister, a friend, a worker, a mother etc., inevitably we get
consumed and exhausted or worst feel emptied.

According to www.mentalhealth.org.uk, because women are expected to be carers of the family and
children and generally managers of the households while should be balancing with the elbow-to-elbow
competition with men and other women in the career world and trying to fit in and conform to the
drastic worldly standards of beauty, statistically, one out of five women is susceptible to having higher
level of stress, anxieties and depressions. Fortunately, we women have better social networks and can
easily confide with our friends and colleagues all our troubles. However, if women cannot express
difficult feelings, they tend to internalize them which eventually leads to depression, anxiety and self-
harm.

I, myself, At a young age had too many insecurities. I received a lot of stereotyping and it made me feel
bad about myself not to be able to be a part of a bigger society wherein everyone will recognize me. I
have experienced a lot bias judgements before and have no one to share with my sentiments.

With the above premises, women for women advocacy comes to mind. This advocacy centers to giving
each female students and women a chance to be identified in small groups that would gather once in a
month for sharing and supporting moments. These groups should be free from judgements, of biases
and of condemnation. These groups should foster healthy relationships among each member during
their support sessions and would just allow free-flowing of thoughts and emotions. It should also
promote, above all, confidentiality that whatever is divulged during the session, would be dealt with
utmost secrecy and respect.

Right now women around the world are part of an unprecedented movement for women’s rights,
equality and justice. If you ever find yourself in a place that allows you to make a real difference in other
women’s lives, obstacles will not stop you anymore.

In promoting women welfare and empowerment, listening is as important as speaking up. Let is spread
awareness, breakdown barriers and support each other through lending not just our voice but most
especially our ears and hearts...

Anything is possible through sheer hardwork, deep knowledge and understanding the stigma that is
concurrently happening. With love and respect for our being a woman is to love and respect other
women. We, women, are first and foremost, for all women! Rachelle Mae Eguna... Grade 9 (hehe ikaw
na bahala)