February 1 marks the start of Women's Role in History Month in the Philippines! This month-long celebration highlights the significant contributions and achievements of Filipino women throughout history. From influential leaders and activists to talented artists and athletes, Filipino women have played a vital role in shaping their country's culture and society. It's a time to honor and recognize their strength, resilience, and unwavering determination to make a difference. So let's celebrate these amazing women and their inspiring stories this Women's Role in History Month!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1898</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Woman Doctor</div><div class='timeline-text'>Honorata de la Rama-Hernandez becomes the first woman doctor in the Philippines, breaking gender barriers in the medical field.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1901</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Women's Education Advocacy</div><div class='timeline-text'>Commonwealth Act No. 447 established education for women, led by advocates like Concepcion Felix and Rosa Sevilla.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1937</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Women's Suffrage</div><div class='timeline-text'>Women secured the right to vote and run for public office during the Philippines Commonwealth era through a national plebiscite.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1986</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Woman President</div><div class='timeline-text'>Corazon Aquino becomes the first woman President of the Philippines following the People Power Revolution.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2001</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Women's Role in History Month</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Philippines begins the observance of Women’s Role in History Month every February, celebrating women's contributions and achievements in Philippine society.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a women-led film festival</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather some friends and family and watch films directed, produced or written by women in honor of Women's Role in History Month. This will not only celebrate the achievements of women in the film industry, but also highlight their powerful storytelling.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a panel discussion on influential Filipino women</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite local historians, educators, and community leaders to discuss the important roles that Filipino women have played in history. This can be a great opportunity to learn about lesser-known figures and their impact on society.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a women's art exhibit</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather artwork created by female artists that celebrate the beauty, strength, and resilience of Filipino women. This can be displayed in a local gallery or even online for wider reach and appreciation.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a women's empowerment workshop</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Partner with organizations that focus on empowering women and hold a workshop to discuss topics such as gender equality, self-care, and leadership. This can be a great way to inspire and educate the community.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Celebrate with traditional Filipino dishes</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather friends and family for a potluck featuring favorite dishes from the Philippines. Use this as an opportunity to not only celebrate Women's Role in History Month, but also share and appreciate Filipino culture and cuisine.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates the contributions of women in the Philippines</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Women's Role in History Month is a time to recognize and honor the important role that women have played in shaping Philippine history. From revolutionaries to activists, artists to politicians, women have made significant contributions to the country's development and progress.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes gender equality</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By highlighting the achievements and sacrifices of women in the Philippines, Women's Role in History Month helps to promote gender equality and recognize the importance of women in society. It also serves as a reminder that women are capable of achieving great things and should be given equal opportunities.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It educates future generations about women's history</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Women's Role in History Month offers a chance for younger generations to learn about the struggles and triumphs of women who came before them. By understanding the past, we can better appreciate the progress that has been made and continue to work towards a more equal and inclusive society for all women.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Philippines Had a Female President Early in History</h3><p class='facts-content'>Maria Corazon "Cory" Cojuangco Aquino became the country's first woman president in 1986, her peaceful People Power Revolution leading to the expulsion of dictator Ferdinand Marcos. </p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Many Women Actively Participated in the Propaganda Movement</h3><p class='facts-content'>Historical figures such as Maria Clara (inspiration for a character in José Rizal's novels), and Marina Dizon among others, participated actively in the struggle for Philippine independence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Country has an Unprecedented Number of Women in Senior Business Roles</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Philippines consistently outperforms many countries globally in terms of gender diversity in business leadership, with a high proportion of women occupying senior management roles.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Women Played Major Roles During World War II</h3><p class='facts-content'>During the WWII, women such as Josefa Capistrano and Magdalena Leones played significant roles either in the guerrilla movement or serving in other capacities that contributed immensely to the resistance against Japanese forces.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>A Filipina Judge Played a Key Role in the Formation of International Human Rights Law</h3><p class='facts-content'>Judge Cecilia Muñoz Palma, the first female Supreme Court Justice in the Philippines, was also a member and past president of the International Commission of Jurists – a non-governmental organization that has influenced the development of international human rights law.</p></div></div>
Women's Role in History Month in the Philippines is celebrated on February 1 every year. In 2024, this celebration will fall on a Thursday.
2023
Feb 1
Wednesday
2024
Feb 1
Thursday
2025
Feb 1
Saturday
2026
Feb 1
Sunday
2027
Feb 1
Monday