Letter to the Editor - Our roles in society

Not everybody can understand why there is gender inequality. This has been a universal issue that many nations have tried to remedy. It has remained a question of why men and women have different and unequal roles in society. Just because Eve was made out from the rib of Adam, does this mean women fit the definition of a minority group, of the inferior ones?

Men enjoy greater power, status and economic security than women do. Gender inequalities have been evident in a number of ways. Women are paid less for the work they do. They have less leisure time at home and less political representation than men. Not only women, the disabled or handicapped, gay men and lesbians have been compared in terms of roles in society.

Humans have been living in this world for thousand of years up to this modern society. Since the early days of civilization, the bias, the discrimination against females, the abuse of women already existed.

But the most permanent thing in the world-changes-do happen. Women empowerment is one change brought about by fighting for rights. More women nowadays pave their way to the top. They have taken steps to achieve things that we thought were deviant, but could possibly be done also by females. They have also taken men's job and political positions.

Internationally, we have Amelia Earhart. During the early 1900s she was recognized as first female pilot. Marie Curie, for being the first well-known woman scientist and the mother of modern physics. More women have engaged themselves with study of aeronautics and these years we gradually have women who travel into space.

In our country, an example would be our president, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Corazon Aquino is also a model of women empowerment as she was the first female president of the Philippines. Even in our localities, I could even see woman drivers and barkers of jeepneys.

Even gays have very good contribution to our society. To name a few, we have Boy Abunda, a host and well-known manager of ABS-CBN, one of the biggest TV Company here in the country. Ricky Reyes, a prestigious hairstylist and Fanny Serano, a famous make-up artist.

Gender discrimination may still be present these days. But we must accept that we are different. Just like our individuality, we have a purpose that only we could fulfill or do. We were made special by God and we are special in our own ways. Everything has a reason, and to be born in this world means we have a mission to accomplish.

Kristine Flores
Student
University of San Carlos