‘Women now less dependent on men’

The so-called "weaker sex" isn’t so weak after all.

As modern-day women become more aware of gender equality issues, sociology experts believe they are now bolder and more able to face broken relationships, even marriages, because of their reduced dependence on men.

"A big contributing factor to this is that men aren’t as dominant as they were before of their wives because we women can now do things that only men could do in the past," Rosario Francisco, a social science professor at a university in Bulacan, told The STAR yesterday.

Independent women are here to stay and, in the case of Filipinos, they will march on the streets today to mark International Women’s Day.

Ironically, protesters from various women’s groups plan to include in their mass actions renewed calls for the ouster of the country’s second woman president.

Highlighting this year’s celebration are the struggles and achievements of females in history as this sector continues to press for rights due all women.

Today’s celebration is also considered the first real test to President Arroyo’s lifting of Proclamation 1017 last Friday that had banned rallies, among other restrictions, at the height of a reported destabilization plot.

Militant organizations have deemed Mrs. Arroyo "a disgrace to all women" amid her incessant involvement in controversies that included allegations that she cheated to win the May 2004 election.

"Filipino women have little reason to celebrate," said Ana Maria Nemenzo, organizer of Laban ng Masa-Kababaihan. "It is ironic that under a woman president, women have been denied access to reproductive health services so vital to their health and lives."

Dr. Carol Araullo, chairwoman of the militant Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), sees no reason for the government to disperse or disrupt today’s Women’s Day rally as part of National Women’s Month this March.

"If the administration is true to its word that PP (presidential proclamation) 1017 has been lifted, then the police must keep their distance from the demonstration," Araullo said.

"But if the administration disrupts today’s peaceful mass action, then it will reveal that the lifting of 1017 was a sham. We will not hesitate in filing the appropriate charges against erring police officials," she warned.

Different women’s group are scheduled to hold mass actions in certain parts of Metro Manila and the provinces which are expected to draw thousands of women from sectors critical of the administration.

Women’s groups that include Gabriela, Laban ng Masa-Kababaihan, Welga ng Kababaihan, WomenSpeak, Women March and Bayan expect to draw at least 15,000 participants to an anti-Arroyo demonstration in Makati City at 3 p.m.

The President, meanwhile, paid tribute to all women yesterday for their contribution to world peace and development, as she urged them to excel in every role they play in the fight against poverty, inequality and aggression.

Though much has been achieved for women’s causes in the country, she stressed no Filipina should be left wanting in life or exploited for being helpless.

"A woman’s work is never-ending. We have to struggle to provide other women a better life, offer them better opportunities for livelihood and equal rights to be able to give our children a better future," said Mrs. Arroyo.

What women used to want

According to sociology experts, the raised awareness among women of their rights would protect them from abuse, particularly domestic violence.

"Before, women were so dependent on their husbands. Kaya kahit nasasaktan, kahit binubugbog na (Even if they were being physically hurt and beaten up), they stuck to the marriage because they did not have any other choice," Francisco told The STAR.

"In the past, when women became victims of domestic violence, they endured this. But as women become more aware of their capabilities, naiiwasan na ang ganito dahil may lakas na siya ng loob (domestic violence is avoided because they are more empowered) to say no to being a victim," she explained.

"They also could not rely on anyone else before to provide for their needs since all women did then was serve their husband and take care of their home," she added.

Milagros Perez, a sociologist, cited that women before were largely confined to being housewives, as they relied heavily on the capacity of their partners to provide for the needs of their families.

Perez added the chances for a woman to land a good job are better now because getting education is no longer prioritized solely for men.

"Before, it used to be the males who were prioritized by their parents in terms of education… because one day when he had a family, he would have to make a living for them," she said.

Philippine laws, particularly Republic Act 9262, otherwise known as the Violence Against Women and Children Act, guarantees protection to women and minors from physical and emotional abuse.

‘Fun yet political rally’

According to organizers of the Women’s Day rally, today’s march will be colorful, creative and fun, yet political.

"There will be no speeches. This is a festive show of force of women who want genuine political, economic and social change, and we will express this through poetry, songs and dances," Nemenzo said.

Gabriela said its chapters will hold similar Women’s Day demonstrations in other parts of the country such as Southern Tagalog, Davao City, Cagayan Valley, Cordillera, Bicol region, Bacolod and Cebu.

In Southern Tagalog, the center of the mass action will be at Calamba Crossing; EPZA in Rosario, Cavite; Batangas; and Lipa City while local gatherings of women will be held in San Pedro, Sta. Rosa, Sta. Cruz, and San Pablo in Laguna; Antipolo City in Rizal; Lucena City in Quezon; San Jose City in Nueva Ecija; Mindoro Occidental; and Puerto Princesa in Palawan, Gabriela said.

In Davao City, some 2,000 women are expected to attend demonstration in which participants will adorn the town with fuchsia ribbons while a thousand women will hold their protest in Tagum City. A "fashion march" against dictatorship and poverty will be staged in Butuan City, Kidapawan City and CARAGA.

At least 5,000 women will stage their respective mass protests in Tuguegarao City and Isabela; Ifugao, Tadian, Mt. Province and Metro Baguio; Albay and Camarines Sur; Bohol; and in front of Gaisano Mall in Cebu.

In Bacolod, women will march from Rizal Park to Bacolod Plaza tomorrow morning. A prayer rally that will be led by Bishop Vicente Navarro will be held in the afternoon. Around 15,000 people are expected to attend the prayer rally. — James Mananghaya, Katherine Adraneda, Aurea Calica