The Office of Gender Concerns held a Women’s Month photo contest for its registered students entitled “Babae para sa likas-kaya at inklusibong pag-unlad“ from March 8 to March 25, 2024.
The photo contest is about showcasing empowered women who have broken barriers and surpassed gender stereotypes: the diversity, strength, and achievements women have achieved through all walks of life shown through one photo. The contest was opened to all enrolled UPOU students.
The winners of the contest were announced at the end of Research Conversation on Women and Gender Studies, the second installment of the Gender Equality Matters (GEM) forum series which marked the closing of the Women’s Month, on 4 April 2024.
Ms. Denise Palisoc announcing the winners of the Photo Contest
The first place goes to the entry entitled “Breaking Barriers: The light of the home and the Society”
by Karl Alex M. Laurito
“The light of the home and the society is a woman, a worker, and a mother. A female vendor of boiled and fried peanuts arranges her goods and scans the streets to attract customers in the vibrant hustle and bustle of the night market in Tagum City. From late afternoon until the late hours of the night, she tirelessly works to support her family, embodying the strength and tenacity of women everywhere.
In a world where gender roles have long dictated societal expectations, this woman is a beautiful representation of all other women working day and night, trying to provide for the basic needs of her family amidst inflation and climate change. Gone are the days when women were relegated to household chores while men provided for the family; women are now involved in politics, decision-making, and the labor force and still continue to make a difference and break barriers towards achieving progress and sustainability. Just like the woman in this photograph, women still continue to rise to the challenges and expectations of society. They continue to shed light, provide solutions, and drive positive change in the face of adversity.
This photograph is in honor and tribute to all the compassionate and strong women out there who are willing to sacrifice their own comfort and well-being and go beyond the norms and gender stereotypes of society. Let us celebrate the existence of these mothers, workers, and leaders who defy stereotypes and inspire us all with their unwavering determination and resilience.”
The second place goes to the entry entitled “NAmulat at NAtuto dahil sa’Yo ” by Ren Avrielle Q. Telebrico
“Iba’t ibang diskriminasyon ang nararanasan ng mga kababaihan mula noon hanggang ngayon. Sa mata ng lipunan, kasarian ang nagiging sukatan upang malaman ang iyong kakayahan. Ngunit sa aking mga nakikita, binago ni nanay ang pananaw ko para sa kababaihan. Si nanay gumigising ng maaga para alagaan kami, maglilinis, at aalis ng bahay para magtrabaho. Hindi pala madaling maging isang Ina. Lahat ng tao ay may kanya-kanyang kahinaan, ngunit lahat tayo ay may karapatan upang lumaban. Hindi man kita ng mundo ang kakayahan ni nanay, nakita ko naman ang kalakasan ng isang kababaihan. Kaya’t isa siyang tunay inspirasyon at instrumento na nagmulat sa batang kagaya ko upang mabago ang aking pananaw para sa mga kababaihan.”
The third place goes to the entry entitled “Ihawan” by Andrea M. Mendoza
Ihawan
Di alintana ang itim ng uling,
Sa liwanag ng iyong ngiti.
Sa ingay ng palengke,
Ang boses mo’y hindi matitinag.
Hangi’y lansa’t usok,
Kolerete sa iyong mukha’y hindi pasusuod
Dugo’t pawis,
Sa iyong laman ay itinutusok.
Baryang halaga sa iyong nilalako,
Ginto’t pilak sa kumakalam na tiyan.
Karapatan at Kalayaan,
Sigaw ng kababaihan.
Kung ang baga ay tuluyang maging abo,
Sa ihip ng hangin ay humalik.
Ibubulong sa masa,
“Kartong pamaypay, damdamin ay pag-alabin.”
The OGC hopes to use this photo contest as an on-going advocacy for and testament to the various strengths and capabilities of women, and shows how their excellence is not to be downplayed by various stereotypes and outdated traditions.
Written by Samuel Benjamin Zach III Basiao ♦ Edited by Dr. Finaflor Taylan