Layout by: Amara Dela Cruz
Published by: Jean Ashley Lugod
Date Published: March 19, 2025
Time Published: 6:50 PM
Run like a girl, they said. A phrase commonly used for derogatory purposes, implying that a person is weak, no different from how girls act.
But what they didn’t know is girls don’t simply run; they confront challenges head-on and embrace setbacks fearlessly, all while wearing six-inch stilettos and a bold shade of lipstick.
For years and years, women have endured discrimination, sexism, and violence—unfortunately far too often and far too many forms. The road has been bumpy with a number of roadblocks and speed bumps. Yet, women never failed to remain strong, constantly resisting unfavorable circumstances and persistently fighting for their rights.
In the present times, women’s situation and position in the global community have taken a huge leap in comparison to the past, a result of their efforts in proving that they are more than just merely capable because they are also skilled and competitive. Female figures have effectively penetrated various work industries, even surpassing records with their competency.
The reason behind this breakthrough can only be explained by one thing—girl power. Girl power is a form of empowerment that highlights girls’ confidence and independence [1]. Its essence helped push women's entry in various professions, even those that are male-dominated.
This month of March, to celebrate Women’s Month, let us further explore how women embarked on their way in such fields and witness the true meaning of girl power.
WOMEN IN STEM
As many would know, STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Although there are still gender gaps in this discipline, women have demonstrated their proficiency in STEM. As a matter of fact, their contributions can be traced back to decades ago.
The best example for this would be Ada Lovelace, dubbed the world’s first computer programmer. Born in 1815, Ada Lovelace had a knack for math and science, which was uncommon for women during that time. She worked closely with Charles Babbage, also known as the “father of computers”, who served as her tutor after she took an interest in his inventions.
Lovelace developed notes for Babbage’s Analytical Engine. She wrote codes that would make the engine perform calculations and configure letters—which turned out to be the basics of computer language and programming.
While working with Babbage, Lovelace got married and had three children. As the driven woman that she is, together with her fascination for computers, Lovelace didn’t let motherhood stop her and continued working with Babbage. Lovelace defied the norms for women at that time, when it was typical for mothers and wives to stay at home.
Following her story, women have carried on with their remarkable works in STEM, more prominently in modern times. The slaying never stops for them, as they make waves in the mentioned field. This is true for numerous individuals, just like Christina Koch.
Christina Koch is currently an astronaut at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). She was chosen by NASA in 2013 and started as an electrical engineer at its Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). She underwent training for astronaut candidates in 2015, and three years later, she flew to space for the first time.
Koch stayed in space for roughly a year (2019-2020), where she served as a flight engineer. During her time there, she partook in various scientific experiments such as the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer. In addition to this, Koch also did the iconic spacewalk six times, one of which was when she participated in an all-female spacewalk. She set a record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman with a total of 328 days in space. Now, she is preparing for another mission to go back to space.
Christina Koch is reaching for the stars with her achievements, quite literally. More and more awards and contributions will only get added to her collection, which is truly deserving for such an outstanding woman like her.
WOMEN IN POLITICS
“Sino ba ang nagdrama?”
Familiar? These are the words of a female senator, Risa Hontiveros, when she responded to another senator who called her “epal-epal lang” after a hearing. With just one question, she rightfully defended herself and left a memorable clapback.
Sen. Hontiveros is the country’s first female socialist senator. She has passed not one, not two, but 25 landmark laws. Among these laws are the crucial laws in place today, such as the Expanded Maternity Leave Law (RA 11210) and the Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313). RA 11210 extends mothers’ paid maternity leave to 105 days, while RA 11313 prohibits acts of gender-based harassment.
She is a proud activist and advocate of peace and women’s rights. In 2005, she was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. Before entering the Philippine Senate, Senator Hontiveros first worked as a journalist. Up until now, she continues to compose and pass bills that address the welfare of the Filipino people.
Senator Hontiveros, with her political achievements, disproved the stereotypical claims that men are better leaders than women. She has served the public with her prowess and directed several probes undermining corruption in the government. Her contributions in the country validate that women deserve a place or a seat in the administration.
Another female political figure to take note of is the former vice president of the Philippines, Atty. Leni Robredo.
During her term, Leni Robredo turned the Office of the Vice President (OVP) into a vault of advocacies, with the aim of providing substantial aid for the less fortunate. This project, which she named "Angat Buhay," has flipped the script for those struggling due to poverty.
Angat Buhay, as recorded in 2021, joined hands with 372 organizations, distributed resources amounting to P520 million, and assisted up to 622,000 families [2]. Not only that, but the said program has also mobilized allocated budgets to cultivate youth empowerment, healthcare, education, rural development, and the list goes on.
Under Atty. Leni Robredo's leadership, the OVP was awarded by the Commission on Audit with the highest audit rating for three consecutive years. This undoubtedly proves her eminence in taking the reins of politics, which also goes to show that women are more than qualified to enter this field.
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
In talks of business, suits and neckties may pop into people's minds. However, it wouldn't hurt to add just a few pieces to the list—like skirts and blouses.
One way to do it is by following a female entrepreneur, co-founder of the well-known National Book Store, Socorro Ramos, and her road to building one of the most thriving businesses in the Philippines.
Socorro Ramos, also referred to as Nanay Coring, started their retail business from scratch. By selling school supplies, she slowly earned more sales and made their store run in place. However, the ship wasn't always smooth sailing for Nanay Coring, as their business underwent a cycle of failures and recovery.
The hardships were no match for her, though, because the matriarch of the National Book Store carried on her journey with no falter. Now, at the age of 101, with her three children, Socorro Ramos has received multiple awards as an entrepreneur and has established a chain of branches from their original store. Nonetheless, even after her name became popularized with her fruitful career, Nanay Coring still sees the need to be humble, believing that there's always something more to learn.
Speaking of awards and entrepreneurial success, Corazon Dayro Ong, the businesswoman behind CDO, stands not very far from Socorro Ramos with her overflowing bag of awards, including the Ernst & Young's Most Outstanding Women Entrepreneur (2019) and Go Negosyo's Legacy Award in the Field of Entrepreneurship (2017).
CDO, a manufacturer of food products in the Philippines, has become a frequently sought-after brand thanks to Corazon Dayro Ong. Their launches, such as longganisas and tocinos, have become a viand staple for quite a number of local households.
Just like other big corporations, CDO started small, in the very own kitchen of Corazon Dayro Ong, with her hobby of cooking. From the corners of Valenzuela to the wider borders of the country, CDO's market value significantly progressed. While Corazon Dayro Ong and her family came across struggles while managing CDO, they remained dedicated to strengthening their business.
Moreover, as a dietitian herself, the said founder of CDO established campaigns to help address national issues such as malnutrition. This tells a lot about Corazon Dayro Ong and her corporation’s mission, which implies that other than providing satisfactory products, they also aim to be a brand that cares for the Filipino people.
From the combined stories of these women, be it in STEM, politics, or business, we are enlightened with girls’ way of conquering the world. Through their grit, determination, and formidable strength, they have carved their names on the barricading boulders of different professions and have served as representatives for women and the power that they hold.
The feminine mixture of strength, determination, and perseverance even in the face of inequality couldn’t have more perfectly defined what girl power is. It represents values that women uphold to show the world that they are more than just a population of the same gender but are rather major contributors to the planet.
These women, who have shattered the glass ceiling, are nothing short of boldness and dignity—which will never not be inspiring. No matter what field they choose to pursue, beyond STEM, politics, and business, there will always be a throne waiting for a woman, or much better—a queen.
But for a woman to acquire the magic of girl power at its peak, she must first ignite the flame of fortitude within her to reveal just how much she can do. One must also bear in mind that the empowerment they receive is made to be shared with others who are entitled to it.
In the end, we are left with a reminder that all women possess girl power deep within, having gone through great struggles before finally taking a step forward. It is only up to them to decide how to use it, whether to welcome its power or further intensify it.
REFERENCES:
[1] Miller, S. (2023, December 1). What Does ‘Girl Power’ Really Mean and How to Make it Real?https://www.whitevictoria.com/blog/what-does-girl-power-really-mean-and-how-to-make-it-real.html
[2] Antonio, R. (2022, January 2). Leni Robredo’s six years as VP: What she has achieved. Manila Bulletin. https://mb.com.ph/2022/01/02/leni-robredos-six-years-as-vp-what-she-has-achieved/
[3] Medica Mondiale. (n.d).Sexism: Discrimination against women and girls. https://medicamondiale.org/en/violence-against-women/womens-rights-are-human-rights/sexism-discrimination-against-women-and-girls
[4] Hilfrank, E. (2021, February 26). Ada lovelace. History. https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/ada-lovelace
[5] Ager, M. (2019, July 10). Hontiveros on Dela Rosa’s ‘epal’ remark: ‘Sino ba ang nagdrama?’ | Inquirer News. INQUIRER.net. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1139994/hontiveros-on-dela-rosas-epal-remark-sino-ba-ang-nagdrama
[6] Senate of the Philippines. (n.d.). Senator Risa Hontiveros. https://legacy.senate.gov.ph/senators/sen_bio/hontiveros_bio.asp
[7] Sunnexdesk. (2015, September 14). Soriano: Socorro Ramos: The Pillar behind National Book Store. SunStar Publishing Inc. https://www.sunstar.com.ph/more-articles/soriano-socorro-ramos-the-pillar-behind-national-book-store
[8] NASA (n.d.). Christina Koch - NASA.https://www.nasa.gov/people/christina-koch/
[9] CDO Foodsphere Inc. (n.d.). Our Awards | CDO Foodsphere Inc. https://www.cdo.com.ph/awards
[10] CDO Foodsphere, Inc. (2020, July 1). Meet the woman behind one of the country’s most trusted food corporations | ABS-CBN Lifestyle. ABS-CBN. https://www.abs-cbn.com/advertorial/life/07/01/20/meet-the-woman-behind-one-of-the-countrys-most-trusted-food-corporations
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