The Narrative of Women pitted against Women

Last week, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) unveiled the findings of its global study on gender, shedding light on a concerning issue: 99.5 percent of Filipinos hold biases against women. These biases are deeply rooted in societal norms and perpetuate gender-based discrimination against women in various aspects of life, such as leadership positions, pay disparity, and the burden of unpaid labor. Surprisingly, Filipino women (99.67 percent) exhibit slightly stronger biases against their own gender compared to Filipino men (99.5 percent). This alarming statistic suggests that even individuals who advocate for women empowerment may unknowingly hold biased beliefs.

Our unconscious minds are constantly scanning our environment for patterns and cues, which shape our perspectives and decision-making. Unconscious biases, which are deeply ingrained within us, contribute to discriminatory thinking and behavior. Women are not immune to absorbing these biases and may unknowingly project sexist ideas onto other women and themselves. This internalized misogyny may begin at a young age, with girls distancing themselves from femininity due to the perception that it signifies inferiority and reinforces their worth being dependent on male desirability.

While some may question the accuracy of the UNDP study, citing female presidents and prominent women in leadership roles, it is crucial to recognize that these successes do not eradicate deeply ingrained biases. The path to leadership roles still heavily favors a masculine brand of leadership, and small victories can lull society into complacency and complicity.

However, there is hope. By acknowledging our biases, we can take proactive steps to deepen our self-awareness. Reflecting on our beliefs and seeking educational resources can help us unlearn sexist norms that we have internalized. Additionally, taking Implicit Association Tests can help individuals identify their unconscious biases, paving the way for conscious changes.

The Philippines distinguishes itself by celebrating International Women’s Day for an entire month, rather than just one day. While these events facilitate important conversations, they can also result in tokenistic support instead of real impact. Organizations should strive to implement consistent and meaningful initiatives throughout the year, such as antibias education programs for employees and assertiveness training for young women.

Living in an age of participatory media grants us the power to create and amplify better narratives about women. We can challenge everyday conversations that perpetuate sexist norms and push for increased female representation. Although changing these damaging biases won’t happen overnight, let us remain hopeful that our collective efforts will make a difference in our lifetime.

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