The only thing more fulfilling than using your voice, is your voice being heard.
With each passing year, women’s voices not only grow louder but their plights are being taken more seriously too. Sure, there is still a lot of work left to do across the board… but progress is growing, and you can feel it.
In the Philippines, Filipina humanists are helping lead the charge. This Women’s Month, five of our HAPI ladies are amplifying their voices to the max.
Listen as Angie Driskell and Mutya Valenzuela speak on what makes a woman. Then, learn why humanism and feminism are one and the same through HAPI Scholars Glemir Sordilla, Maria Louizza Fugoso, and Kryshia Solon. Each of them follows in the footsteps of Marissa Langseth, HAPI Founder, whose influence is always felt in every Women’s Month the org celebrates.
Angie Driskell, HAPI CEO
What does it mean to be a woman in 2024?
Generation after generation, women have been the scapegoats for things that may go wrong in society. Women have had to fight long battles for their rights and to be heard. They have had to endure mockery, violence, abuse and disrespect to achieve the freedoms we have today. They not only stand up for themselves, but they are a voice for the voiceless.
Centuries later, despite all our advancements, we still find ourselves fighting to be heard and understood.
There is no denying what women have achieved so far. They hold positions of power, they advocate fearlessly for progress, and they continue to nurture. Whether it be their own families, their communities, or their nations – they nurture, motivate and encourage others. We must, however, constantly remind ourselves that the fight for gender equality is far from over. There are still many issues that must be addressed as women today are still fighting for the right to have total control over their bodies, access to education, adequate employment opportunities, and better laws protecting them against violent acts and abuse. Women today not only speak up for themselves but lend a voice to those marginalized by society.
Mutya Valenzuela, HAPI CFO
In high school, we always had this impromptu question in class. One of our teachers asked us about the essence of being a woman (echoing a question from the Q&A portion of the 1996 Ms. Universe pageant). Most of the answers she got were about “being able to bear a child.” I did not think much of this; after all, a woman is the only person capable of giving birth. But as I grew that answer slowly started to feel a little off. I was diagnosed by my OBGYN with an inverted ovary, and conceiving a baby is going to be difficult. What if I can’t have a baby? Can I still call myself a woman?
I have been a car mechanic, a cook, a liaison officer, and more throughout my adult life. During those times I met a lot of different women: a stay-at-home mom, a bus barker, a driver, a QA welder, a seafarer, a policewoman, a transgender woman, and more. Meeting these diverse individuals made me understand what a woman is. For me, a woman is someone who is not afraid, someone who is not tired of nurturing other people.
A woman may cry now but she will not stop doing what she thinks is right. Life might beat her to a pulp but she will pick herself up and stand because a woman will never let the challenges in life put her down.
I’ve never met a woman who surrenders and I know I never will.
Glemir Sordilla, Associate Editor
I deeply cherish being a woman and a humanist. For me, a woman symbolises empathy, courage, and intelligence – characteristics that just so happen to be humanistic, too. In the bigger picture of promoting freedom and empowerment, feminists and humanists work towards equitable chances in healthcare, education, and other fields. Women’s equal rights, including complete autonomy, sovereignty over their bodies, and reproductive health, have long been promoted by humanists. These two movements go hand in hand. It is basically all about being able to be free while taking care of one’s community. Being a woman and a humanist in 2024 is a statement and a symbol of breaking many barriers.
Kryshia Gayle Solon, HAPI Scholar
Being a woman and a humanist in 2024 involves embracing equality and working towards a more inclusive society while inevitably facing gender-based challenges. We prioritise critical thinking, compassion, and justice by actively opposing discrimination and societal obstacles. We strive for equal opportunities in education, healthcare, and other areas while encouraging freedom and empowerment. We push for diversity as we challenge gender norms. We seek to cultivate communities where everyone’s perspectives are valued and respected, where individuals can express themselves freely without fear of sexist pushback.
To be a humanist woman requires courage, resilience, and intelligence to navigate the obstacles being thrown in our direction. Our dedication and empathy for humanity drive us forward and encourage us to help each other in shaping a brighter future for society.
Maria Louizza Fugoso, HAPI Scholar
As a humanist woman, I cherish reason, empathy, and equality. I firmly believe in the inherent dignity and worth of every individual, irrespective of gender, race, or beliefs. My passion lies in promoting equality and justice, advocating for human rights and social justice causes. I hold critical thinking and evidence-based decision-making in high regard, as I rely on science and reason to comprehend the world. My ultimate goal is to create a positive impact on society and contribute to the well-being of all people.
