"Women belong in all places where decisions are being made." — Ruth Bader Ginsburg
The campaign theme for this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) is #BreakTheBias and it’s about actively participating in the fight against gender inequality and discrimination. IWD commemorates the socio-political and cultural achievements of women and aims to advance gender parity and break gender bias.
One of the most inspiring women in history was Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She became the U.S Supreme Court’s second female justice and Columbia University’s first female tenured professor. She had numerous experiences with gender discrimination in the workplace despite having an excellent academic record. Nevertheless, Ginsburg stood her ground and overcame the sexism she faced, and fought for women’s rights. She presented a strong voice in favor of women’s liberation and gender equality. Over time, she was embraced by many as a feminist icon.
In celebration of IWD 2022, we recognize the strength and determination of women in taking up space in society. In line with the divisive political discussion in our country nowadays, it is important to highlight the capability of women in taking leadership roles. With this in mind, I reached out to female student leaders in the CASA community on their insights and stand regarding an essential question tying leadership and womanhood: "What does being a woman mean to you? And how does that connect or signify with leadership?" Here are the voices of the women who answered:
Jenina Bea Jazul
Vice President for Internal Affairs, CASA Executive Board
Photo by Jenina Bea Jazul
The campaign theme for this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) is #BreakTheBias and it’s about actively participating in the fight against gender inequality and discrimination. IWD commemorates the socio-political and cultural achievements of women and aims to advance gender parity and break gender bias.
One of the most inspiring women in history was Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She became the U.S Supreme Court’s second female justice and Columbia University’s first female tenured professor. She had numerous experiences with gender discrimination in the workplace despite having an excellent academic record. Nevertheless, Ginsburg stood her ground and overcame the sexism she faced, and fought for women’s rights. She presented a strong voice in favor of women’s liberation and gender equality. Over time, she was embraced by many as a feminist icon.
In celebration of IWD 2022, we recognize the strength and determination of women in taking up space in society. In line with the divisive political discussion in our country nowadays, it is important to highlight the capability of women in taking leadership roles. With this in mind, I reached out to female student leaders in the CASA community on their insights and stand regarding an essential question tying leadership and womanhood: "What does being a woman mean to you? And how does that connect or signify with leadership?" Here are the voices of the women who answered:
Jenina Bea Jazul
Vice President for Internal Affairs, CASA Executive Board
Photo by Jenina Bea Jazul
There's always this talk about what a woman should be—graceful, quiet, knows their place—but not a lot of chatter about what women, in general, want to be. We as a society must empower the woman to go after their wants and embolden them to pursue their wildest dreams. In that regard, being a woman, to me, means that one has a lot of things thrown at them from the start but also having the power to overcome these obstacles. Connecting this with leadership, it's almost the same playing field: obstacles such as being undermined for one's capacities to truly lead, not receiving the same level of respect as one's male counterparts, or even becoming a doormat and a victim of abuse of the kindness one has given others in fear of being too strict and called masungit or maldita. These are obstacles that women in leadership positions face, all while putting on a smile and continuing to push on despite these worries. Though these hurts are often and untoward, I personally recommend the best armor a woman can don: confidence, respect, and kindness.
KC Alanis Turtem
Junior Guild Head, CASA Retorika
Photo by KC Alanis Turtem
For me, being a woman is to continue to challenge; challenge the stereotypes, the problematic standards, and the misogynistic mindset that is hindering us women to show our full potential. As a student leader, we must also have this characteristic to not be afraid to challenge. Challenge the system by bringing new progressive ideas on the table, and speaking up against injustice. As well as to challenge others and ourselves so that we can continue to grow into competent and empowered individuals.
Maxine Rae Joaquin
Senior Guild Head, CASA Multimedia
Photo by Maxine Rae Joaquin
There are a multitude of answers to what being a woman is. To me, it means being bold and assertive yet still capable of exuding gentleness and compassion. Often, people believe that one must have an iron fist to be a leader, but I think otherwise. To be a leader also means to possess the characteristics that women exemplify, assertive and compassionate at the same time. As women, we exercise our strength and kindness just as leaders should too.
Pamela Monica Gonzales
Block President, 2COM1
Photo by Pamela Monica Gonzales
Being a woman simply means possessing strength and compassion for ourselves and those around us. Having the self-confidence that we have built along the way through trying times gives us a voice to speak up in any kind of instance--not just simply the act of helping others, but also supporting them in every step of the way. These challenging and tough experiences have shaped me into the woman that I am today, and it gives me a greater inspiration in putting my heart in everything I do, both as a woman and a leader.
Felicia Fran Aldana
Secretary, CASA Executive Board
Photo by Felicia Fran Aldana
For me, being a woman is being a sister. To be a woman is to be able to be empowered but at the same time, to be kind. As a leader, you have what it takes to serve and lead, to educate and be educated, to help and ask for help, to hear and amplify the voices of the student body. My desire to listen and empower others, just like being a sister. With that said, I am deeply connected to my womanhood through my work as a leader as well as my sentiments toward others.
Rafaela Angelie Arconado
Block President, 2COM3
Photo by Rafaela Angelie Arconado
Block President, 2COM3
Photo by Rafaela Angelie Arconado
Women before were only expected to be wives and mothers of society that takes care of their child and spouse but now the days of being a woman just staying at home is long gone. Being a woman now means you are capable of being strong, independent, assertive yet kind and gentle to those who are in need. These same qualities that a woman have is also present to what leaders of the society must have now meaning, woman can be leaders too. Leaders that can go up against any dangers, can stand alone, and can make decision for the benefit of their members while taking into consideration those who are too weak to fight for themselves.
