All throughout my life, my inner circle was surrounded by women, most especially my three sisters. Most of my early days were spent with them. Tuning in to Myx Channel, listening to Taylor Swift's songs, and watching Disney films were some of the activities we usually did. And I think my enthusiasm for watching movies released by Disney was one of the influences brought by my sisters, which I am very grateful for.
One sunny day, when we had decided to have a movie marathon again, a movie about a Chinese princess flashed on the screen of our cathode ray tube-style television. Given my age before, I was not able to understand the true essence of the story. I was just amused that the story revolved around love, that Mulan had her own happily ever after, and that I watched another movie again with my sisters.
Fast forward, now that I am in my teenage years and all grown up, I slowly realized the message of the movie and the struggles every woman faces every day just to be accepted and deemed fit in our society. She is the perfect embodiment of a woman. Defying all generational rules and stereotypes about what a woman should do and can do, she proved that she is capable of doing everything her heart desires, that she can apply change and difference to the world she is in, and that she can do it, even though the people around her say she does not have the capacity to do so. Mulan taught me that women can do everything as efficiently as men can, thus making these members of our society truly transformational and powerful. She represented every woman, saying that they are reckless, powerful, and capable, and not weak and dependent on men; that they can face every war, small or mighty, as long as they have that fervent passion to achieve justice and success.
But unfortunately, Mulan does not share the same fortunate fate, where she was heard and her existence deemed valid, for in reality, the fate they have is the exact opposite of what Mulan had. Even before, women were not afforded the same rights, opportunities, and chances that society had been giving to men. Over the past centuries, women have been deemed inferior to men and only expected to be housewives, bearers of their husband's children, and household cleaners of their own house. They were denied the rights to study, manage businesses, and vote. Their opinions and voices were deemed an echo, redundant, and not that much needed to create difference. The stereotypes they are receiving because of their sexes are unfitting when compared to their valuable skills and talents, because if you are truly looking inside the room, the power a woman holds is equal to the power a man holds, and most of the time much more than what a man has in possession.
The thing that still stands inexplicable to me is how and why the treatment being given to women is very different from the treatment provided and afforded to men. This is just one of the many possible representations of the world that we live in: cruel, complex, and unjust, to the point that it massacres the dreams being envisioned by every woman for her life and for her future, but with this disgusting treatment being provided for them, it bursts each and every dream like a bubble.
Thankfully, nowadays, the contributions of women to the advancements of our society are slowly recognized, as are their rights. The doors leading to more chances and opportunities are slowly getting opened, giving them a path to achieve success in life. But it takes a long time for these doors to be completely opened. More legislation, explanations, and persuasion are needed for these members of our society to be deemed acceptable for our society.
With the amount of close-minded jerks, with ignorance and apathy seeping inside their souls, adding more salt to the open wound, it makes the rusty doors harder to open and more difficult for women to break free from captivity.
Now comes the celebration of National Women's Month. As we may all know, the month-long celebration promotes equal rights and opportunities for women and validates all the efforts and contributions continuously given by women from various parts of the country to make this country a better place to live in. But why are all of these only practiced and deemed valid in just a span of 31 days? It should be an everlasting struggle, a campaign we must all live for. A month is not enough for us to impart change and to live up to the vision we have for every woman. The wishes we have for every woman will never be enough if we do not do something to instill actual change to solve the living problem. Closing our eyes and choosing to stay blind to the fact that women deserve the same rights being given to men is never forgiveable and accepted. Hundreds or even thousands of celebrations of Women's Month will never be enough to help these important members of our society achieve justice when we are blinding ourselves from the fact that our actions are far different from the words we had left for their rights.
In connection with this year's edition of Women's Month, may we achieve gender equality and an inclusive society for all, for we all deserve to live life in a space where justice is served, peace is observed, and safety and security are maintained. Women finally having and sustaining the same equal rights, privileges, and opportunities that are today afforded to men is the vision I have for every woman, whom I regard as the very epitome of grace, excellence, and power. In their hands lies the power to instill change and difference, and who are we to steal this opportunity from them? Who are we to deprive themselves of their rights to live in peace and justice?
In every celebration of National Women's Month, we must not let every opportunity pass without treating the wound. In every celebration, may our hopes for a tomorrow filled with fairness and justice for every woman be uplifted. Let this month be a reminder that we should continue advocating for the same, equal rights and opportunities for women. Let this month be a voice for every woman suffering from the injustices brought on by rotting morals and principles, waiting to be heard and helped. Let this be our living reminder that their contributions helped us achieve the state of our society we have today, shining brightly with success through their massive efforts and contributions that brought light to the progress, innovation, and advancement we have today and the bright vision we have for tomorrow.
Women's Month will forever hold a special place in my heart, for the role it plays in our lives is indeed irreversible. This is a convention for us to recalibrate our steps and rethink for the future that holds us. It is an annual reminder for us to remain catalysts of change and to serve as an amplifier for the voices left unheard. Let us reflect on the fact that they are essential members of society, and without them, we would not be able to attain the present we have today.
References:
[1] Cranswick, A., & Cranswick, A. (2018). Mulan director shares behind-the-scenes image from the first day of filming. Flickering Myth. https://www.flickeringmyth.com/2018/08/mulan-director-shares-behind-the-scenes-image-from-the-first-day-of-filming/
[2] Vernon, E. (n.d.). The Flower Girl. Pinterest. https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/132011832818692563/
Comments
Post a Comment