By Cyrus A. Natividad

Vice President Dr. Esther Rose Romarate believes that education has a key role to play in the empowerment of women.

International Women’s Day was celebrated on March 8, 2021 with the theme “Women in leadership: Achieving equal future in a COVID 19 world.” As we give importance to humanity, women empowerment is an issue of today that deserves the respect and support of the world.

The United Nations supports women’s empowerment. Empowerment of women through quality education was given impetus and considered one of its important goals by the world organization. We may have a hundred or more powerful women leaders in the world – including Queen Elizabeth of England, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Arde, and U.S Vice President Kamala Harris, but it is deplorable to know that of the world’s 774 million illiterate adults 2/3 of them are female (according to unesco.org). It is a reason to promote quality education for women. Because of this, women are fortunate to have an available quality education with Universities and Colleges worldwide.

Quality education can alleviate women from poverty and other issues such as early pregnancy, and drug addiction. Education or acquiring additional educational levels can increase opportunity and income for women. Education can lessen gender stereotypes in society, and give chances for women to be acceptable in higher employment positions. It is significant to realize that there are higher preferences for women nowadays – for top and middle managerial positions; unit heads, supervisors and deans in the field of education in some educational institutions.

Despite the online learning system, female students continue to increase in schools and universities. Empowerment is a consciousness that women of today are pushed enough to get more education. So, too, is our observation about the increasing political participation of women. It is not about more female politicians, but with empowerment, it has more women actively participating in political exercises and activism.

Learning and improvement are included in the quality education system that Central Philippine University is known for. Across the globe, it is acknowledged that education has an important role to play in women’s empowerment.

Following are comments from the empowered women of Central:

“Although many women in the 21st century have been empowered as evidenced in key leadership positions occupied by women in politics, education, business and other areas of society, still the world has yet to give more women across the globe opportunities for them to advance in their current social status through education and other programs of government and non-government organizations. I believe that education has a key role to play in the empowerment of women as this can only be done when both men and women are taught that both sexes are equally important and needed in the progress of a nation.”

-Dr. Esther Rose Romarate
VP for Student Affairs, CPU

“As a woman, a mother, a teacher, and a social worker) for me, women empowerment recognizes the importance of women in nation-building. It is the celebration of the tremendous efforts of women and their full and effective participation in decision-making, as well as in eliminating abuses, harassment, and any form of violence in the homes and in the community. There should be continuous and sustained efforts in increasing public awareness to stop this gender-based violence, including stereotyping, discrimination, sexism, and misogyny which affect women and girls. There are a lot of things to do with regard to these issues. I would like to encourage others to join in this endeavor, to take a stand, and actively participate on the different issues that would promote gender equality, respect and acceptance for all.”

-Prof. Karen Jay Diesto Lozada
Chairperson, Social Work Department

“It is a good thing that women are now looked up to as leaders in the community. In CPU for instance, currently, there are more women administrators and heads than men, and the latter seemed not to mind, so I guess men have come to recognize that women are capable of assuming responsibility and accountability, and fearlessly at that! So it’s just right that we, women should be given the acknowledgment and respect that we deserve.”

-Prof. Crista S. Huyong
Coordinator, Cultural Affairs Office

One of the principles as established by the United Nations Global Compact on Women Empowerment is that “treating all women and men fairly at work – respect and support human rights and non-discrimination.” Our patriarchal society had been held there from time immemorial. However, in the 1960s the role of women in society has been recognized. It was not an overnight process and it took waves or phases to fully promote women’s rights until it emerged as part of a major global movement. Women Empowerment is not about hating men and/or the things they do. It is more anchored on the idea that finally, society has seen the potentials of women particularly in leadership and has opened various opportunities equal with men. I still do believe that there are things which men can do and women cannot, vice versa. But this does not mean that we, women, are gonna stop there. Men may think of ways on how to get out of the box, while women, relentless as we are, think as if there is no box at all.

-Miss Nestle Taala
Coordinator, CPU TV

I live in a generation where women leaders are celebrated. Their talents and skills are recognized. I am fortunate that in the institution where I belong, women are recognized and appreciated for the significant contribution they bring to ensure that the mandate of the institution to deliver quality instruction is realized. History tells that in CPU, many women leaders helped in realizing the noble mission and vision of this university. Presently, these women leaders such as the Deans, Department Chairs, and Unit Heads continue to bring pride and joy to the institution through the many excellent works that they do. Also, in our top management, two women leaders, Dr. Bogacia and Dr. Romarate are graciously and excellently doing their best, especially in the shift from face to face learning to online learning amidst the pandemic—by the way, not to be forgotten, many women leaders in CPU are mothers too.

-Dr. Anna May Yap- Zerrudo
Director, Office of International Relations and Cooperation

“Women empowerment is a critical and essential feat that institutions should pursue. Here at CPU, we are equally provided with the necessary resources and avenues for professional advancement. The pandemic has demanded more endurance, innovation, and creativity than any other time. For us, this has generated new opportunities to demonstrate women leadership. Deans are highly encouraged to communicate their sentiments and ideas in a safe and positive environment. Best of all, we are trusted and valued as partners.”

– Ma. Medalla P. Ballao, MMHM
Dean, College of Hospitality Management