When President Marcos spoke the other day before the United Nations about protecting and advancing women’s rights, he warmed the hearts of many Filipinos who believe that women deserve a strong voice in society. In fact, in most Filipino homes, that voice has long been loud, clear, and very persuasive.

Nanay, Mama, Mommy, or Inang, is the heart of every Filipino home and family. She is the gentle soul who serves as a unifying bond.

Filipinos have always recognized the quiet power of women. While the man may be the head of the household, the woman is the steadying influence that ensures the well-being of its members. Anyone who has tried to argue with a Filipino mother, or challenge her decisions, already knows how always wins the day.

Over the years, throughout my professional life, I have seen Filipinas excel in education, the judiciary, business, and the professions. In many universities, women now lead as presidents, deans, and distinguished scholars. In the courts, women judges and lawyers command respect through sheer competence and integrity.

The same holds true in the civic milieu.

As someone who has spent four decades as a Rotarian, I have witnessed firsthand how the role of women has evolved in civic life. When I first joined Rotary, it was still very much a gentlemen’s club. The weekly meetings had a familiar rhythm: suits and jackets, handshakes, and plenty of gender-biased stories that grew more colorful with every retelling.

The role of women has evolved through the decades, especially with the inexorable march of scientific progress that has brought on a huge measure of gender equality,

I witnessed how the admission of women changed the character of Rotary, a male-dominated civic organization. Presently, women make up about 40 percent of Rotary membership in Philippine clubs, reflecting a global trend that is likely to be sustained as more and more females organize, join and lead Rotary clubs in corporations, communities, and campuses.

My several stints in government in the post-EDSA era has given me the opportunity to work with many outstanding women leaders.

I served under President Corazon C. Aquino, whose leadership helped guide the nation through a historic transition from its descent to dictatorship to its reemergence as an exemplar of democratic governance. President Cory led with calm dignity and a steady moral compass. She had a gentle manner, but no one ever doubted her resolve. She proved that strength does not always need to announce itself loudly.

Then there was the incomparable Miriam Defensor Santiago. If Cory Aquino was grace under pressure, Miriam was lightning in human form. Sharp, fearless, and brilliantly articulate, she could dismantle an argument in minutes—with a touch of humor that entertained and educated her audiences. Both educated and entertained. Watching her engage Senate colleagues in floor debates was like watching a grandmaster play chess several moves ahead of multiple opponents.

Another remarkable woman I had the honor of knowing was Cecilia Muñoz Palma, woman who served as President of the Constitutional Convention that crafted our present basic law. Years after she retired as Supreme Court justice, I was privileged to have her as my inducting officer when I served as a Rotary district governor.

Over the years, I have also seen Filipinas excel in education, the judiciary, business, and the professions. In many universities, women now lead as presidents, deans, and distinguished scholars. In the courts, women judges and lawyers command respect through sheer competence and integrity.

Looking back, the rise of women’s leadership in Philippine society has not been a dramatic revolution. It has been something more natural—almost inevitable. When talent, discipline, and dedication are present, opportunities eventually follow.

So when President Marcos spoke about women’s rights at the United Nations, he was voicing a principle that resonates deeply with Filipino experience.

President Marcos told world leaders during the 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, emphasizing that women must be present where decisions are made. He said: "We cannot hope to solve the great challenges of our time if half of our humanity is excluded from shaping those solutions. Women must be present wherever decisions are made – in government, in business, in science, in diplomacy, and in peacebuilding."

Indeed, as he emphasized, inclusive societies where women play vital roles are stronger and more resilient. Yet, the ideal of attaining equality in the global realm is still far from being fully achieved: "Across many societies, women still face barriers that limit their opportunities. Too many continue to experience discrimination and violence. Too many girls are still denied the education that will allow them to shape their own futures," the President added.

Hence, he emphasized the importance of international solidarity in confronting violence against women in all its forms, stressing that "violence erodes dignity, weakens communities, and undermines the very foundations of our justice…True equality requires not only policy change, but cultural change," he said.

Around the world, the struggle for gender equality continues. But here at home, we have long understood a simple truth. When women step forward to lead, communities tend to become more thoughtful, more balanced, and often more successful.

Comments may be sent to [email protected]