Tree of Life: From the Roots of Great Women

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        Throughout history, women fought with courage to assert themselves as individuals with the same rights as the males. In the past, men perceive dominance over women. Women's identity was perceived as a girl, a weak woman, just a wife, and can’t be more than a man. One of the causes for the waves of Feminist and Women’s Rights Movement is that women realize how much men dominate in the workplace, in social settings, in politics, and at home. 

        And for the past decades, women have taken on exemplary roles and responsibilities. With their belief in their selves, women have taken the lead and strive to achieve rights that belong to them. It may be at home, at workplaces, in the government, and in all different industries, they serve as leaders, visionaries, and served as nation builders. Women have taken the challenge of the existing norms in our society. They serve as an inspiration, influencer, and motivation to the younger generation with their intelligence, wisdom, wit, and their ethereal beauty from both inside and out. 

        But let us take a look back in centuries, where in times women have raised their flags as they led and became a symbol for not only Ilokano’s but the whole nation. There are notable names of great Bigueñas, Ilokanas, or women in particular, in the past when it comes to heroism and for sure some may have been in your mind as you read this. 

Gabriela Silang Monument, created by Jose M. Mendoza in 1971.
 (credits: https://www.flickr.com/photos/keithkelly/8576277697/)

        With her courage and braveness, Maria Josefa Gabriela Carino Silang widely known as Gabriela Silang is a great woman who led and helped fight against the tyrannical Spanish rule. She was the first Filipina warrior to lead a revolution against the Spaniards in 1762 together with her husband, Diego Silang, who was also a Filipino revolutionary. For the country’s independence, she stands side by side with her husband and became his adviser and aide during fights with Spanish troops. She is an empowered woman in history who became a symbol of hope and fight to Filipino women in the past and till now. 

Leona Florentino Monument, Vigan Heritage Village
(Credits: https://www.flickr.com/photos/eazy360/4918804633)

        One of the four pillars of Philippine Literature that provided foundation and link to the Philippine literature with the literature of the world is Leona Florentino. She was a Filipino poet in the Spanish and Ilocano languages. Her writing was a feminist approach which was forbidden then. With her words and rhythm, Leona Florentino was recognized internationally particularly in her lyrical poetry, and gained her title as the "mother of Philippine women's literature". She was also considered as the "bridge from oral to literary tradition". One of her many famous original Ilocano works includes “As-Asug Ti Maysa A Napaay” or blasted hopes as dubbed in English. 

        With the heart and compassion of the visions of women of the past who believe in what they can do to pave way for women in our generation to arise, we have given more opportunities to voice out more freely our concerns and rights. They have taken their beliefs with confidence to conquer their dreams and make a reality for women to stand strong. In the 21st century, women raised their voices to make great strides and stormed leadership positions performing even better than men. Their advocates and visions paved the way to attain major success in the fight for freedom, in a range of states, rights of women, access to educated, participation in political life, and many great achievements that they have attained. 

        We see that women have been trying and showcasing their talents to the world so that they can stand side by side with men or even more. And as women in our generation, we should look up to them as they serve as an inspiration and motivation for us to exhibit what we have to show the world. Believe in what you can do, take the leap, and inspire others with assurance and direction.

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References:

Dr. Rotor Abe V., "Philippine Literature Feature Leona Florentino: "The mother of Philippine women's literature" and the "bridge from oral to literary tradition."", blogger.com, published on December 15, 2014. retrieved from  https://avrotor2.blogspot.com/2014/12/leona-florentino.html.

Rivero, Imelda C., "Feature: In Ilocos Sur, the value of women in public service echoes through ages", https://pia.gov.ph/, retrieved from https://pia.gov.ph/features/articles/1023727

The Women’s Rights Movement, 1848–1917, retrieved from https://history.house.gov/Exhibitions-and-Publications/WIC/Historical-Essays/No-Lady/Womens-Rights/

Gabriela Silang monument, image retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/keithkelly/8576277697/

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