By MITCH MEÑEZ
Photos by LITTLE WING LUNA
IT was a fine Saturday morning.
A group of women gathered at Plaza Salamanca on Taft Avenue, some carrying musical instruments, others placards and signs. Instead of preparing lunch for the family or watching noontime shows, these women have decided to brave the hot sun and forego their daily routines. Instead of spending time with their children, they have come to be with other women.
They stood proud. They raised their voices. They bravely set an example for their daughters and sons by being socially aware and active women—those who not only nurture their families, but also stand up for their country.
It was the 104th commemoration of the International Women’s Month. Coincidentally, the day also marked the 4th month since Yolanda ravaged Eastern Visayas.
These women rally to tell the world they were standing up to the oppression they encounter everyday. They were protesting, among other things, the rise in basic goods. “It is not easy to set a budget to feed my family when I can barely afford the paper and pen I use to make that budget,” one mother said.
Many of the women are contractual employees and considered dispensable employees as such. Some of them have seen their homes demolished before their very eyes. They have no choice but to join and raise their voices in protest. Their message: they want, nay, deserve, justice, equality, and respect!
Gabriela Metro Manila held a shame parade, taking from the ancient times practice when thieves were dragged by a horse through the public courtyard. A modern-day Gabriela Silang garbed in baro’t saya on a horse, dragged a dummy of President Aquino from Plaza Salamanca to Liwasang Bonifacio, shouting: “Babae, bumangon ka! (Woman, rise up!)”
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