Leni Robredo, like other female presidents across the world, does more than just fight for votes. She also has to deal with patriarchal leadership expectations. She deals with the enduring gender preconceptions and biases that have afflicted her campaign and her term, just like previous elected women.

A police officer named Jonel Nuezca brutally murdered 52-year-old Sonya Gregorio and her 25-year-old son Frank Gregorio in Paniqui, Tarlac, the Philippines. Following a confrontation, Nuezca fatally shot Sonya and Frank in the head. Both victims had no weapons. The incident was captured on camera, which has since gone popular on social media.

Police made an arrest in Quezon City of a man convicted of kidnapping and raping a four-year-old child and sending pictures of the crime to the victim's family. The Quezon City Police District's agents collared 26-year-old Jose Cajandab Jr. The victim described how the perpetrator sexually assaulted her during an interview with a police investigator.

STATISTICS

Let’s look back at some important social indicators to see if women’s lives in the Philippines have improved or worsened. The data comes from the Philippine Statistics Authority’s Factsheets on Women and Men.

Infographic by Pamela Ramos, ABS-CBN News

HIDILYN DIAZ

She has proven that no amount of weight can weigh a woman down. Case in point: her historic reign at the 2022 IWF World Weightlifting Championships in Bogota, Colombia, where she captured the elusive world title and won three gold medals to complete her golden sweep.

LEA SALONGA

Theater icon Lea Salonga is undoubtedly an unmatched talent in the entertainment industry both in the Philippines and abroad. The multi-awarded Broadway star is world-famous for her iconic performances in musicals like "Les Misérables" and "Miss Saigon".

SOCORRO RAMOS

Those who grew up reading books from National Book Store have one person to thank for. She's Socorro "Nanay Coring" Ramos, who started almost eight decades ago what is now known as the biggest bookstore and school and office supplies chain in the Philippines.

LENI ROBREDO

Maria Leonor "Leni" Robredo was the 14th Vice President of the Philippines. She took office in 2016 and stepped down in 2022 after six years of exceptional public service. During her tenure, she garnered the highest audit rating from the Commission on Audit for three consecutive years (2018 to 2020) and received recognition for her agile and competent pandemic response.

JOSIE NATORI

Josephina Almeda Cruz, more popularly known in the fashion industry as Josie Natori, is one of the wealthiest women in the Philippines. This self-made billionaire runs the international women’s fashion brand, The Natori Company. Josie grew up in a family that valued independence and entrepreneurial spirit among its female members.

CATRIONA GRAY

In a pageant-obsessed country like the Philippines, Catriona Gray's Miss Universe 2018 win has brought so much joy and pride. Since she won the most coveted title, the whole world has gone crazy with her now iconic lava walk and slow-mo twirl.

APO WHANG-OD

Apo Whang-Od Oggay is the oldest tattoo artist in the world, making her one of the most famous Filipino women that people of today’s generation rightfully emulate. For preserving the traditional practice of tattooing, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts recognized Whang-Od's contribution to Philippine culture and arts through the Dangal ng Haraya Award.

MARIA RESSA

Maria Ressa is one of the most recognizable and famous women in the Philippines—pushed to the spotlight by her commitment to fighting for freedom of speech. She's a journalist with over 25 years of experience and an admirable resume: teacher, author, CNN Bureau Chief, ABS-CBN Head of News and Current Events, Rappler CEO, and most recently, 2021 Nobel Peace Prize Winner.

ALICE EDUARDO

Hailed as the “Woman of Steel” in the Philippines, Alice Eduardo is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Sta. Elena Construction and Development Corporation, a leading construction company in the country. Alice had always been fascinated with man-made structures like roads, so it came as no surprise that she started her own construction company in 1995.

1. Join or create a women’s group or community

Women’s groups can provide support, networking opportunities, and a sense of community. They can also be a great place to discuss topics related to womanhood, empowerment, and feminism.

2. Educate yourself about women's issues

Another important way to empower women is to educate yourself about the issues that affect them. This includes learning about topics like gender equality, reproductive rights, sexual violence, and more.

There are many organizations that work to empower women both locally and globally. And one way you can support their efforts is by volunteering your time.

If you’re not able to volunteer your time, another great way to support women’s empowerment organizations is by donating money. Even a small donation can go a long way in helping these organizations continue their important work.