The Philippine Online Chronicles

This is the year 2010. And the records say that we have, by high standards, attained it. The numbers dictate that the Philippines is now a country where there reigns gender equality and the discrimination against women has markedly declined. But are the statistics accurate? Could the numbers our leaders boast of to the entire world, be wrong?

According to an article, posted by the United Nations (http://www.undp.org.ph/?link=goal_3) which focused on our country’s progress considering the aspect of gender equality, as part of the eight Millennium Development Goals, there are more female students who attend elementary schools than there are males. In the school year (SY) 2005-2006 alone, the participation rate of females was 85.35 percent as compared to 83.56 percent for the males. Also, the rate of female survival rate, as well as life expectancy is in general, higher than that of males. Women are expected to live until the age of 72.5 years compared to 67.2 years men are expected to live.

So we have women who live longer than men, and girls who attend school much more than boys. But does this prove anything? Are we living in a society where there is no discrimination between the sexes or are we just fooling ourselves? What happens when women get out of college? Are they treated fairly? Or do they suddenly find themselves struggling because men are the more favored? What about the other genders? Those who are considered by the country as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or a transgender? Have they been accepted in society? Or do they suffer still, insults and curses upon curses?

The Filipina is allowed to work. She is allowed to work where she pleases, when she pleases, and how she pleases; that is, considering she received a good education. Otherwise, the Filipina becomes prey to those who see her as an object for pleasure, an object to abuse. These are facts. You can ask most any one, and they will tell you the same thing.

Then comes the issue of the positions granted to women at work, not to mention their salary. In the United States alone, women were paid 77 cents for every dollar men were paid. This was stated in a fact sheet that focused on the statistics of working women, and was posted on the web (http://www.aflcio.org/issues/jobseconomy/women/). The fact sheet also showed that African American women only earn 72 cents, and Latinas 59 cents for every dollar men are paid. Although such is not the case in the Philippines, our women enjoy limited benefits and protection when compared to our men. Also, recent surveys have shown that men are more often than not, favored for higher positions in office than women are.

Now to the second issue, that of the other sexes present in our society; the gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender. We, as a people are aware of their existence, and, because of our strong Christian roots, treat them with as much respect as possible. Although this might not be the case for every citizen, we can see that, in schools nationwide, more and more children are beginning to understand why there are other genders aside from the standard male and female. In fact, students now show little discrimination against these sexes. They have learned to laugh, play, and study in harmony with their classmates who show the characteristics of the different sexes.

This is the year 2010. And the records say that we have, by high standards, attained it. The numbers dictate that the Philippines is now a country where there reigns gender equality and the discrimination against women has markedly declined.

The records have proven to be true. The Philippines is a country where equality reigns, and justice for the genders dominate. We might have lapses, but they are few compared to those of other countries, and besides, we can still improve.

The Philippines can still improve.

The World can still improve.

Tomorrow is still on the horizon. But today, everyone is equal.

In our country, women are strong, beautiful, and appreciated. Our children are peace-loving and open-minded. And our nation upholds the dignity of each and every one.

This is the year 2010. And the records have proven to be true.

Sources:

http://web.uvic.ca/~ahdevor/HowMany/HowMany.html

http://www.flickr.com/search/?s=int&w=all&q=world+unity&m=text

http://www.aflcio.org/issues/jobseconomy/women/

http://www.undp.org

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