Songsoptok
INTERVIEW
Feminism & The Cult of Silence
SONGSOPTOK: Do you think that there is a ‘cult of silence’ in the
country and the society you live in, especially for issues involving women’s
position in society and their rights? If yes, then what are the specific
issues? Is it harmful? In what way?
ELIZABETH: I believe that
there is no such thing as a “cult of silence”
is practiced here in the Philippines regarding women’s varied levels in
society as well as in the exercise of their human rights. If ever there would
be some who are “silenced” for whatever they have experienced involving
violence and abuse, it was their own choice or could be depending on their
circumstances and status in society.
SONGSOPTOK: In case you think that there is no such
cult, can you please explain why you think so? With some examples, if possible
ELIZABETH: Modern Filipino women (Filipinas) nowadays are more open-minded, assertive, and
feisty compared to those belonging to the earlier generation of their parents
and grandparents. They exercise more freedom of speech and know more about
their different rights. If there comes a time that they are being abused or are
victims of domestic violence, sexual harassment at work, etc., there are
organizations which help them break their silence and support them
psychologically, emotionally, spiritually, financially, etc. Women in the
Philippines now are braver enough to let their voices and different concerns be
heard by those concerned if not be the instruments of the others who can’t
speak up about their predicaments.
SONGSOPTOK: Do you think that there has always been a
cult of silence in human societies regarding certain issues? If yes, then for
what reasons? Do you think that it is actually a good thing to perpetuate such
a practice? Please tell us know why.
ELIZABETH: There had been a
time that discussions regarding certain issues such as sex was a taboo
especially in schools populated by youngsters or in certain conservative
families where the mere mention of the word was being withheld. This “Cult of
Silence” should not be practiced to silence the public in gaining information
or learning about some things. It is also a human right to gain access to
different knowledge and of exercising their rights to gain justice or get fair
treatment from the society regardless of one’s gender.
The unraveling of certain issues bewildering
society as a whole is inevitable likened to secrets which are kept hidden but
are meant to be discovered in time. Certain issues plaguing our world are but
facts to some not until they encounter or experience these themselves that they
become a reality that must be embraced.
SONGSOPTOK: Is there a feminist movement in your
country? If yes, then what are the specific objectives? In your opinion, is it
necessary? If not, then what are the main reasons for its absence?
ELIZABETH: There exist here in
the Philippines a feminist organization called GABRIELA. It is a militant
women’s movement in the country that advocates for Filipino women and their rights. They look after the welfare
of women and children in the country and if ever there are certain issues
involving the abuse or act of violence against these individuals, they are
willing to help out to seek justice and fair treatment. GABRIELA was
established in the year 1984 and is considered as the forefront of Filipino
women’s struggle for freedom and democracy.
SONGSOPTOK: What, in your opinion, is the position of
women in the country you live in? Do they have equal rights in every domain as
men? If not, then which are the main areas where they receive unequal
treatment?
ELIZABETH: Generally, there is equality of both sexes
being practiced here in the Philippines for most of the occupations in
companies and the different levels of government. Being a woman living here in
our country is not a major hindrance for one to occupy a high position. Certain
issues involving abuse and violence against women and children exist though and
continue to plague our society.
SONGSOPTOK: A ‘glass ceiling’ is a metaphor used to
represent an invisible barrier that keeps women from rising beyond a certain
level in a hierarchy. Do you believe in this concept? What is your personal
experience in your personal and professional life? In the country you live in
are there glass ceilings in different professions?
ELIZABETH: Yes, I do believe
and have learned about this concept of “glass ceiling” affecting women in the
workforce and I find it unfair of course. I haven’t experienced such kind of
issue yet in my personal and professional life and for that I consider myself
lucky.
In my observation in the different fields of
occupation here in our country the Philippines, this invisible hindrance for
women to be on top of the corporate ladder or to assume higher positions in the
government and for other organizations or institutions is not that obviously
encountered. Both men and women occupy various executive positions in their
chosen careers and discrimination based on their sexes is not generally
observed.
SONGSOPTOK: What is your opinion about the feminist
movement? Do you think it is necessary, both at a global and a more local
level? Why? In this context, what do you think are the major achievements of
the Feminist movement, if any?
ELIZABETH: There could be varying degrees of
perspectives when it comes to the existence of feminist movements. Some
countries do exercise equality between sexes while others especially the ones
still preserving their conservative beliefs may place women below the ranks of
men both at home and in the corporate world or other fields in society. In
reality, there is still unequality between men and women even in this age of
the millenium.
The term feminism is defined as something that
describes a political, cultural, or economic movement which has its ultimate
goal of establishing equal rights and legal protection for women. The very
first feminist movement started in the nineteenth and early twentieth
centuries, the second was during the 1960s as well as in the 1970s and the
third wave extended from the 1990s up to the present time.
In my own view, both in local and
international level, feminist movements are vital in order to attentively
safeguard the rights of women and to help them in attaining justice and fair
treatment (in various issues involving reproductive rights, domestic violence,
equal pay, maternity leave, women’s suffrage, sexual harassment, and sexual
violence, etc.)
If women are given the equal opportunities
being given to men, there could exist a balanced society thus a more stable and
harmonious family unit will emerge.
SONGSOPTOK: A recent study (conducted by HuffPost/YouGov)
concluded that only 20% of Americans identify as feminists, even though a
whopping 82% believe that "men and women should be social, political, and
economic equals.” Do you find this contradictory, and if so, why? What,
according to you, would be the result of a similar study in the country you
live in? For what reasons?
ELIZABETH: I believe that
different studies and researches in various fields almost often if not always
“contradict” themselves and the study of Feminism in the USA by HuffPost/YouGov
is not an exception. A good example/comparison would be studies regarding the
pros and cons of drinking coffee. In some studies, they would tell people that
it has good health benefits but on the other hand, in some other studies, they
tell them otherwise that it wouldn’t be good. So, the public would then be
having divided beliefs.
And it
has nothing to do with the geography or location in which the study was
conducted. One of the major reasons why
these studies oppose themselves is that we cannot really ascertain based on
statistics alone the real sentiment and actual condition of the subject/subjects
we are studying or making a research of.
Our country, the Philippines is generally
considered as a conservative one with the Church possessing a major influence
in the thinking of people and how they should be “behaving”, morally-wise
although there is what we call a separation of State and the Church.
If they would be conducting a similar study
about Feminism in our country, it would also be divided although almost all
women here would agree that equality should exist between the sexes in all
areas. The once conservative view has now gradually changed because of various
factors which influence the way of thinking of the citizens and not just of
women.
SONGSOPTOK: One of the main areas of the feminist
movement is sexual objectification of women almost all across the globe,
especially on media. What is the reality in the country you live in and / or
your country of origin? What is your opinion about this? Do you think that
there is a cult of silence around this issue? Why?
ELIZABETH: Sexual objectification of women has always been one of the
major issues involving the abuse of women in different fields worldwide. Here
in the Philippines, women also experience sexual harassment at work or in any
other places attributing to the notion that women are merely sex objects. While
some are brave enough to report their horrid experiences to the authorities,
still a large percentage of sexual violence are left unreported for they chose
to keep silent on the matter. The main reason they just kept quiet and decided
to hide the case is that they don’t want their families and loved-ones to be
dragged into sexual scandals and one other reason could be that they fear for
their lives especially when their harasser/rapist comes from an affluent and/or
influential family in society.
SONGSOPTOK: Finally, according to you, to what extent
is feminism relevant in today’s society?
ELIZABETH: Feminism will still be an integral part of
our modern society since it just not focuses on women’s different human rights
alone for it can affect the whole family as an important unit of society. If
everyone would be given the access to what feminism is all about and I mean not
just concentrating on one’s gender, both men and women and the coming
generation will come to understand what real equality is all about.
This is not a
question, but more like a game. You may or may not choose to this. What would be your word picture of a
feminist?
My word picture of a feminist would be
“Eccentric”.
Elizabeth Esguerra Castillo: Is an award-winning
International Author/Contemporary Poet. She is the author of “Seasons of
Emotions” (UK) and “Inner Reflections of the Muse” (USA) and a co-author to
more than 60 international anthologies. Elizabeth is a member of PEN
International and American Authors Association (AAA).
We sincerely thank you for your time and hope to have your
continued support.
Aparajita Sen
(EDITOR)
Songsoptok
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