As a woman, the world we live in is full of stereotypes, expectations, and unfortunately limitations; limitations that are hidden from us in society as best as possible. But those limitations are to be challenged. There was a time, as late as the early 20th Century, when women were not allowed to vote, nor be allowed to receive an education. Growing up, I thought that men and woman were equal in this world, that I had the same opportunities and quality of life as the boy sitting next to me in class. But then I think of all those times in PE class, when I’d kick some poor boy’s ass in sport, and his friends would make remarks such as, “You got beaten by a girl.”
The progress of equality is nowhere near where it should be. I am lucky that my parents migrated from the Philippines, for a better life for my brother and I. I am a daughter, a sister and a friend to many girls who are just like me, that is, trying to find their place in the world. I may not know what career I want to have in the future, but I have a sense of what kind of woman I want to be – beautiful, strong, and independent. I want to inspire others to be the best versions of themselves. There’s a long road ahead of me, and I’m sure it’s full of challenges. However, if there is one thing I am sure of, it is that, I have a bright and colourful future ahead of me. Or at least, that is what I keep true to my heart. If you are a woman, no matter what age, race, or religion, I want you to challenge these limitations; for I have never met a woman who is not strong. Live the life you want to have.
In the words of Ghandi, “to call woman the weaker sex is a libel; it is man’s injustice to woman. If by strength is meant brute strength, then, indeed, is woman less brute than man. If by strength is meant moral power, then woman is immeasurably man’s superior.”
Sassy in Sydney 