Perception of women in the Filipino context is usually based on culture. Pinays are often perceived as sensitive and emotional but I think Pinays also possess an inner strength because they are able to handle very well their feelings. Although Pinays find themselves in a male-dominated society, we are able to gradually achieve an equality in terms of opportunities. Before, women cannot go to school and are forced to stay home and perform house chores, because it was believed that women just exist to take care of the family. But later on, women were also granted the opportunity to go to formal schooling through the influence of the Americans.
Women can now also go to work, and they can even perform tasks that are usually assigned to men such as being an engineer. Also, women can now vote and become involved in politics. A classic example is Cory Aquino who is the first woman president of the Philippines. This phenomenon commanded more respect for women. However, in the workplace, there still seems to be inequality. Usually, men can hold higher position in the organization while women are usually given secretarial position despite attaining equal education. Fortunately, there are companies who are now addressing this inequality through their human resource . Many women now hold managerial positions in companies. Another problem in the workplace is that more women are susceptible to sexual harassment, but there are republic acts that address this problem in order to protect both men and women.
It is good that men and women are given equal opportunities. Women can achieve their full potential and be actors for societal change.
