Even in 2024, a study reveals that the deep-seated cultural norms restricting women's roles persist. These norms manifest through unsolicited questions and opinions.

In celebration of International Women’s Month, Telus International Philippines (TIP), an AI-fueled customer experience and business process solutions provider, conducted an in-house survey in which 25,000 employees of all genders participated. The study aimed to determine the societal norms that women are still battling and how these norms affect them.

During the "Tama na 2024 na" event held on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at the Telus branch in Market! Market! Taguig City, the company revealed the interesting results of the survey.

Those who participated in the study comprised 59.3 percent women, 36.4 percent men, and 4.3 percent who didn’t identify themselves. The data reveals that Pinays are still subjected to unsolicited questions about their personal lives, physical appearances, and relationship status, and these intrusions have a direct impact on women’s emotional and psychological well-being.

Based on the survey, some offensive comments they discovered include:

• "Parang tumataba ka/Tumaba ka ba?" (It seems like you're gaining weight/Are you gaining weight?) - 67.03 percent.
• 
  "Mas maganda if pumuti, pumayat, ngumiti ka" (It would be better if you lighten your skin, lose weight, and smile) - 46.28 percent.
• 
  "Bakit walang boyfriend? May boyfriend ka na?" (Why don't you have a boyfriend? Do you already have one?) - 42.18 percent.

Fifty-one percent said these comments/questions negatively affect how they feel about themselves, and 38 percent said that it negatively impacts their relationships with others.

“At Telus International, we proactively make room for these important discussions around women, addressing pressing concerns with empathy, respect, and support for every woman's unique journey,” said Anne Muñoz, Country Vice-President at TIP. “We must break free from these suffocating norms and collectively cultivate an inclusive culture.”

Unfortunately, these negative opinions mostly originate from people close to the recipients. The survey indicates that 72 percent of these comments come from friends, 66 percent from relatives, and 50 percent from immediate family members.

But the ironic thing is that even though the survey participants personally experience the negative impacts of receiving unsolicited, insensitive opinions, 74 percent admitted that they also asked these questions to people they know.

With this self-awareness, the respondents also provided a list of steps they and everyone can take to end this cycle.:

1. Learn to ignore the opinion and focus on yourself and her goal.
2. Educate those perpetuating these expectations by starting a dialogue and calling out respectfully.
3. Be more respectful and sensitive by being mindful of what you say to others, breaking the stereotypes, and changing the mindset on culture, habits, and expectations.

"Tama na, 2024 na!" Emphasized celebrating women's diverse roles in promoting inclusivity, equality, and everyone’s responsibility to challenge cultural gender stereotypes.

Discussions during the event defined the modern Filipina as someone who fearlessly embraces her identity, challenges societal norms, and navigates the complexities of life on her terms.