It was Saturday night. I could hear inaudible conversations, some distant music, distant roar of car engines. The weekend vibe was in the air — light, carefree, unhurried. I had a free day and was not thinking of deadlines, at least not until Monday.

But I was slumped on a gray rug in my restroom, feeling the pain of my period, breathing deeply, and knowing it’ll pass away after several minutes. At that time, I thought, is this the price of being able to create and nurture life? Then I thought of my daughter (who is now a mother herself), of the joy (and pain) of bringing her into this world, and I realized, yeah, it’s worth it. But would it be possible to not feel pain every month? (Of course, biologically it’s not.) My case is even less serious than some women I know, who feel debilitated a week every month.

It was the last Saturday of March, the month celebrating women. I was slumped on the floor for several minutes, and realized that in general, life is more challenging for women. Mind you, it’s not just the menstrual pain I’m talking about.

It’s about needing to be more guarded and careful when going out. I had three (3) instances in the past few months when I felt really uncomfortable in a cab while riding alone, because of the drivers’ behavior and words. I cannot go out alone, well, I am advised not to walk alone in the evening for my safety.

It’s about being expected to be just the right mix — not too friendly lest it be mistaken as a signal, but not snob; not to dress provocatively, but not what they consider the “manang” look; be firm but not be aggressive; be expressive but not too emotional, and so on. You get the idea.

It is the expectation to juggle a career, whilst maintaining a family, ensuring all family members are taken care of (food, schooling, medical needs, emotional needs) and ensuring an efficient and seamless family mechanism (groceries are enough and fully-stocked; meals are nutritious an prepared on time; family gatherings are organized well; the children are dressed well, eat well, feel well; house is spic and span). This situation can be explained as “weaponized incompetence.”

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I will share some of my own experiences and observations related to being a woman:

• During my final interview for the Foreign Service Officer Exam (FSOE) a senior official asked, “So, you are a single mother? Do you think you can do your job well as an FSO?”
• A relative got a much younger work subordinate pregnant. He then started to complain that she is not mature enough, doesn’t exert effort to earn more money, and doesn’t take care of the visiting family members, all while the baby was just few months old. He made her believe he will be with her, only for him to find another girl and impregnate her too. The 1st girl got the courage to leave and build a life with her son. The father now portrays himself as a victim, and posts messages on socmed questioning her ability to provide and care for the kid.
• A male working in the same Department but one I never worked with directly, during an official event, commented to someone beside him, as a woman walked by “Ang ganda. Sarap rape-in.” I was aghast but didn’t have the opportunity to express my thoughts. We were busy and things moved fast. I loathed him. I still saw him a few times in the building, but I didn’t even want to know his name.
• Someone I know but not close with wooed a girl. She fell for him, bore him three (3) kids in her 20s. The man left her and chose someone more successful, more stable, then married her and built a family with her.

Those are just a few.

I’d like to clarify that this piece is not intended to complain. It’s not meant to pit the sexes, nor to shame the males. It is meant to show the reality.

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I want to end with something positive, so I’m just gonna list here some winning moments for women, some historic, some usual, but they can still be considered as wins:

• In March 2026,  the International Olympic Committee (IOC) updated its policy to restrict the female sports category exclusively to biological females. (For me, this is not discrimination or lack of inclusivity; it’s common sense.)
• In the 1960s, women were finally allowed to join the Boston marathons.
• The success of the women’s suffrage movement.
• The public outcry and legislative reforms that followed in S. Korea after
  “Silence” the 2011 crime drama aired.
• The success of Operation Cumberland led by Danish law enforcers in February 2025.
• The documented cases of young girls escaping child marriage.
• Waris Dirie’s story of escaping FGM and child marriage, as documented in her autobiography “Desert Flower.”
• Stories of female Ramon Magsaysay awardees.
• Successes of women’s rights defenders in the Philippines.
• And many others.

Just earlier today, I heard someone mention a common sentiment, “Why is there a Women’s Month? But none for men?”

Well, men and boys experience problems, unfairness and injustice too. Their concerns must be heeded and resolved too.

But based on research, documented cases, and by the very nature of their biological make up, so many more women than men need more help in fighting for their rights, ensuring their safety, and moving towards their empowerment.