In an era marked by transformative shifts and evolving societal paradigms, the resolute surge of girl power has unfurled its wings with an unprecedented vigor, weaving an intricate tapestry of empowerment and inspiration across the global landscape, and of course, including the Philippines. As the fervent and continuous call for equality, the narrative of feminine prowess resonates more compellingly than ever before, casting aside archaic stereotypes and patriarchy, finally embracing the full spectrum of human potential through the social awareness that women are just as good enough if not better than men.
Such social awareness and women empowerment can be spread through the timeless portal of storytelling and spectacle: cinema. You probably have visited the cinema near your subdivisions along Daang Hari these past 3 months. With many blockbuster movies that are classic and nostalgic such as The Little Mermaid, and contemporary socially groundbreaking masterpieces like Barbie, both of them show the voices of strong, resilient female characters. Another recent women’s victory that you may have witnessed while watching your televisions, one of many in your subdivisions along Daang Hari that are showcasing the raw talent our youth has, is the Philippines’ historical win at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Stereotypically, sports are known to be the playground of men. Well, through this, it is indeed true that our Filipina women can dominate in this so-called masculine endeavor which is the huff and tough of sports.
Photo from spin.ph
Filipinas Winners at FIFA Women’s World Cup
It is almost a month now since our young Filipina women showcased the talents and gifts that the Philippines has through the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup. In a gripping spectacle that unfolded on the hallowed grounds of the Wellington Regional Stadium in New Zealand last July 2023, the resonating clash of talent and determination transpired, leaving a profound mark not only on the scorecard but also in the hearts of 32,357 spectators who bore witness to the spectacle with our Filipinas declared the victors with the score of 1-0 in the Group A matchup.
That lone goal from California-born Sarina Bolden was actually the first time the world had witnessed the Philippines scoring a goal at the World Cup. Why? Well, it is actually the first time our country has qualified for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, and it is not an impressive feat for the Philippines to beat the mighty New Zealand right away.
“I literally can’t put it into words,” Bolden, the young lady who had made the historical goal, attempted to capture the overwhelming emotions in words. “This has been a dream of mine as a little kid to just be here at the World Cup, let alone even score.
“I couldn’t have done it without my teammates, the staff, the fans, the Philippines as a whole. It’s just amazing right now to feel this win and this energy in this stadium right now, so it’s just amazing.”
Yet, as remarkable as this achievement may be, it serves as a mere prologue to what promises to be an exhilarating narrative that unfolds with each subsequent match in the ongoing 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The strength and prowess exhibited by Filipina athletes are not new phenomena but rather a testament to the unyielding spirit that has permeated the nation’s sporting fabric for generations. With a legacy of fortitude and resilience, it is not a far-fetched notion to anticipate that the Philippine women’s team may once again etch their names in the annals of history before the final whistle of the tournament is blown.
Photo from nytimes.com
Life Made Fantastic With Barbie
Barbie shook the world with its advocacy of addressing patriarchy and misogyny that has been attacking the world for ages now. This movie has raised many opinions both in praise and in distaste about the movie. Though there is indeed quite an abundance of the latter, it goes to show how effective the movie was in getting under people’s skin.
A fantasy comedy film directed by Greta Gerwig, the Barbie that we know and grew up with suffers now a crisis that leads her to question her world and her existence. In this movie, we watch how Barbie is shocked at our real-world world that is being run (horribly run at that) by men. The movie made $1.28 billion in profit which goes to show how the world is indeed acknowledging the capability of what the world has been calling women, the “weaker sex.”
Child Growth and Development With Women Empowerment
It would make you a no-brain if you cannot accept the fact that all throughout the ages, women have always gotten the lesser end of the deal. From being paid less for doing the same job to being the majority-harrassed sex to always being associated with negative words like weak, hysterical, dramatic, submissive, fragile, and bossy, it is hard for women to be taken seriously and be treated as equals. Fortunately, we are living in arguably the most liberal time of human history because through having major films focusing on women, and the very fact that there are women sports and that women athletes are the ones who are making history for their country, the world is given many chances to finally let women unleash their full potential that has been long hidden. Because of such recent happenings that beacons women empowerment, you may notice that your daughter has been holding her head higher than ever everywhere she goes, may it be in school, or jogging around your subdivisions along Daang Hari road.
The road has been paved for your little girl to be even more confident in her skin as a woman, and you as a parent, must always support her in this endeavor of reaching her full potential as a human being. May it be by enrolling her in sports classes at the PFF Training Center in Carmona, Cavite, or sticking with her already homebody hobbies of playing the piano, the important thing is that you emphasize to your daughter that she always, always has a choice to do what she truly wants to do, and that her options are limitless.
Read more: Celebrating National Women’s Month
