Breaking Silence

FEMINISM: the belief in social, economic, and political equality of the sexes – a movement to put an end to sexism, sexist exploitation, and oppression and to achieve full gender equality in law and in practice (Britannica.com)

Throughout history, we have seen how women are oppressed and silenced. Women are confined and made to do domestic chores, while men are outside, in public. Women are denied to own property, the right to vote, and even to study. When a woman is already married, they can’t exercise their power as a wife because they need permission from their husband. Moreover, restrictions to women in education and professions are still existing even to the present. However, despite these constraints, women persevered and were determined to change the stigma that women are weak. They are striving for change and equality for everyone. So what are you waiting for?

LET’S SUPPORT THEM WITH EVERYTHING THAT WE HAVE!

But how do we empower women?

How does a woman empower another woman?

Supporting each other in ups and downs could be one. But really, HOW?

One would be making women take on roles that people thought they cannot do such as being leaders. Most of the time, women are not given a chance to have opportunity to lead because there is this thinking that "Women can't lead". However, this has proven to be wrong as the capabilities of a person don't get defined by their gender. Let's not go that far. Let's take the Former Vice President of the Philippines, Leni Robredo as an example. She is an advocate lawyer specializing in cases involving the marginalized sector. She is also a member of various Organizations and groups that helps people, specifically those in need. She was the one that founded 'Lakas ng kababaihan ng Naga'. In addition, she was also the founder of the Angat Buhay Foundation which is a Non-Government Organization that helps the people of many sectors in the Philippines. Many people will discourage you because of your gender. They will keep on taking you down even if you do not do anything to them. The only thing that will make them shut their mouth is by showing what you are capable of. Show them what you really are made of. Do not be afraid to make mistakes on the way, take it as a learning.

There are so many ways to empower each other. Boosting each other's confidence by complimenting one another. Giving each others advice on something and so on. We (the creators) may not be so much capable of helping with the bigger problems. However, by preventing the small ones from getting bigger we may be of help. In order to empower women, we should also support big organizations such as Gabriela, National Organization for Women, CARA Welfare Philippines, Women's Crisis Center, and many more.