CELEBRATING International Women’s Month this March, this year’s theme is “#BreakTheBias” – aimed to free the world of stereotypes and discrimination while empowering diversity, equity, and inclusivity. Our society has come a long way when it comes to opening more doors for women to thrive. From healthcare, technology, leadership, journalism – women were proven to be ready to step up and deliver all the time.

Filipinas are no strangers to that. During this pandemic, we have witnessed several women who succeeded in their chosen path and made history. Beginning with weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, the first Filipino to win an Olympic gold medal. She won the 55-kilogram weightlifting category and surpassed Liao Qiuyun of the People’s Republic of China on the clean and jerk and won with a total of 224 kilograms on July 26, 2021. Weightlifting is not often perceived as a feminine sport but Diaz proved that women can lift weights too. 

Next is Maria Ressa, CEO and co-founder of Rappler, and now the first Filipino to receive the Nobel Peace Prize on Dec. 10, 2021 for her efforts to safeguard freedom of expression for democracy and lasting peace. Ressa has faced and bailed from numerous cases of cyber libel, tax evasion, etc. filed against her by the current administration, but she remained steadfast and continued to fight for press freedom by ‘holding the line’. 

Lastly, Ana Patricia Non, a woman taking action to help the people who are struggling because of the pandemic. She started a movement across the country through the community pantry, an initiative to set up a bamboo cart filled with vegetables and other food products in which people can either donate or take goods from it. She wrote a remarkable reminder on a cardboard sheet, saying: “Magbigay ayon sa kakayahan, kumuha batay sa pangangailangan.” It means that people should practice generosity among themselves as well. Non’s community pantry aimed to spread kindness as an act of concern and generosity, and her initiative inspired Filipinos across the nation to do the same and start their own community pantries.

These women fought discrimination, red tagging, and stereotyping just because they are women – but they continuously prove that they can break barriers and get the recognition they deserve. These empowering women serve as role models for young girls who think that they are limited to certain societal expectations. Together, let us prove to the world that, “Hindi ka babae lang, babae ka.”