Women’s Month is a time to honor the achievements, sacrifices, and struggles of women around the world. At this time of year, celebrations and events celebrate the women who offer so much to our lives and communities.

Nevertheless, there are still those who take the importance of women for granted, passing off remarks that only serve to contribute to a society that normalizes debasing the value of a woman’s worth.

It is times like these, however, that remind us exactly why we must commemorate and celebrate the month dedicated to empowering women.

An affront to women everywhere

(Photo from Inquirer.Net)

While we celebrate Women’s Month, we must recognize that misogyny and sexism persist and cannot be ignored, with some people seemingly finding no wrong in what they say, unaware or uncaring of the true effect their words have on people. It’s crucial to address such comments, such as the remark by Congressman Bong Suntay about the Filipino-Australian actress Anne Curtis.

The Congressman said that he had seen the actress from a distance and admitted to having inappropriate thoughts about her during a formal hearing, surrounded by many of his colleagues and fellow politicians. This remark was intended to make a point about not penalizing people for mere thoughts. Yet, the casual, harmful way it was stated has had many protesting about the misogynistic nature of the comment.

Misogynistic comments like these, dressed up as jokes or said in passing, are dangerous and harmful to women all over. Not only do they portray a diminishing of women as mere objects for men's desire, but they also imply a kind of normalization where individuals are made to believe that these kinds of remarks are alright to make.

Unfortunately, this was not the first time a sexist remark has been made against women. It is especially common for well-known individuals with great influence and power to express inappropriate remarks. Take, for example, Senator Vicente Sotto, who made a sexist joke back in 2017, describing single mothers as “na-ano lang.”

Such carefree comments and unapologetic attitudes, uttered even within the supposedly respectable setting of a government hearing, reveal how deeply rooted misogyny remains in our society. Times like these only reinforce the need and value of dedicating this month to recognizing the ongoing fight for respect and equality for women everywhere.

A refusal to keep silent

(Screenshot from annecurtissmith/Instagram)

It was only a matter of time before Curtis responded to the situation with the steadfast nature that comes from a woman who must stand up for herself. She replied to the remark and to the lack of an apology and accountability on Suntay's part, who claimed he had no malicious intent in his statement and even went so far as to say the actress should take his words as a compliment.

However, Curtis’s statement is more than just a call out of bad behavior; it is a desperate reminder of why we should celebrate Women’s Month in the first place. Women are not objects to be gawked at, nor should they be expected by society’s members to keep quiet and take every lewd remark as a compliment.

As such, we call for basic decency and respect—something that should be expected from every human being. No individual is exempt from respect, and women are certainly no exception.

We, women, are our own people who deserve just as much consideration as anyone else. Comments and remarks like that of Suntay’s are not the flattery he assumes they are, but only serve to debase women further and limit us to being tied to the notions and preconceptions society has labeled us with. In fact, the very idea that Suntay and many others find no wrong in his statements is a problem in and of itself.

Why celebration still matters

(Photo by Marianne Bermudez/Philippine Daily Inquirer)

With issues like these continuing to run rampant in our country, it is only right that we, as citizens, remain firm and speak up against prejudice and misogyny. Women have contributed so much to society, and this month must especially highlight our value and courage.

Even if it means speaking up to higher powers and calling people out when they’re wrong, women's empowerment brings the world a step closer to achieving gender equality.

Especially as a woman myself, I must encourage and support the experiences, voices, and lives of other women. We see this in moments when one woman speaks up against sexism and misogyny, as shown by the support Curtis received from other prominent Filipino women, and even from the wife of Congressman Suntay.

May we learn from them not to remain silent in the face of gender discrimination. Because when women rise, communities grow stronger, dreams become possible, and the world moves closer to true equality.

May the spirit of Women’s Month inspire us to keep supporting, uplifting, and amplifying the voices of women everywhere.