By Ella Bernise F. Natal and Yelah Israel
Change has always been a kind of inevitability in everything, and it is change itself that brought us where we are today. Women — from being seen as meek, submissive, and overall inferior compared to their male counterparts — have now earned the liberty of laying their roots deep in society. They now vote and freely express themselves, taking the helm as leaders of their community, delving in business, science, liberal and fine arts, education, health, and public service.
Photo: Philippine Star
Although much has changed since the first step towards a better future for women, there are still instances of gender discrimination against women, with plenty of stereotypes and misconceptions against them that a lot of people believe in. That is why it’s that time of the year again: International Women’s Month, when we dedicate a moment to all amazing women out there who constantly show the world, “Babae ako, hindi babae lang.”
But how did this annual month-long celebration begin?
Our very own National Women’s Month
March has become the season for women empowerment where we celebrate women from all over the world, past and present. In the country, the colors are a parade of purple, with the central principle being its six-year long theme: “we make change work for women”. Citizens from different parts of the Philippines take part in the National Women’s Month, born out of Proclamation No. 227, series of 1998 from the House of Representatives under then-president Cory Aquino. It regards this month to be an observance of Women’s Role in History, honoring every woman, regardless of class, religion, and ethnic background.
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Photo: University of the Philippines Open University & Baguio General Hospital Medical Center
“Whereas, Filipino women of every class, ethnic, and religious background served as early leaders in the forefront of every major progressive social change movement, not only to secure their own right of suffrage and equal opportunity but also to create a more fair and just society for all,” reads an excerpt from the proclamation.
For this year’s celebration, the national government holds the subtheme, “Agenda ng Kababaihan, Tungo sa Kaunlaran,” with many of its projects focusing on uplifting women in their communities, honoring their right to choice and expression, all while giving them the helm to finally take the narrative and let their voices be heard. Projects here include: Pulso para sa Kababaihan, Tungo sa Kaunlaran Online Poll which is still on-going until March 25, Musika ng Kababaihan Fridays (#MNKFridays) held weekly for the whole month, and #JuanaSays: Agenda ni Juana edition where the government lends an ear to women from all over the country.
For more information regarding the programs and happenings related to National Women’s Month, you can access the Philippine Commission on Women’s website found through this link: https://pcw.gov.ph/2022-national-womens-month-celebration/.
However, the Philippines was not the first country to dedicate a specific period of time to honor women, because International Women's Day, the first global celebration of womankind and their contributions and achievements, laid the foundation for the national event, decades later.
International Women’s Day and its Socialist Roots
The working holiday has always been celebrated since the early 1900’s; a time when women slowly started to fight the oppression and inequality that was imposed upon them. In the year 1910, half the world away, a German socialist by the name of Clara Zetkin proposed during the International Socialist Congress in Copenhagen that there be an annual celebration to honor the women all over the world. 
Photo: Wikipedia
This was so that women would have a designated day, regardless of where they are, to “press for their demands''. The proposal was granted with unanimous approval by her fellow colleagues; 100 women delegates hailing from 17 different countries. Thus, the International Women’s Day was born.
From then on, the idea of such a day spread through Europe. It was celebrated the next year in countries like Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland; with around one million women banded together to demand for the right to vote and to end discrimination against women. Eventually, the idea of celebrating womanhood reached the shores of our country. Over the years, it has expanded into various events with the same goal of letting women all over the world express themselves and be heard, as well as a way of showing our appreciation for our heroes who don’t need a cape.
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Photo: Adrian Greer Michael Short/Fairfax Media/Getty Images & Al Jazeera
There was a time when women were second to men: overlooked, ignored, and limited. However, the very same women overcame such discrimination, earning their freedom as they should, proving to us that “we can do it”. Now, they provide not only for their families, but also for their community, their country, and the world, as creatives, educators, innovators, and advocates for other women who have yet to be empowered and uplifted. Women — what will we do without them?