The Filipino woman in history

Abstract

“The history of the world is but the biography of great men,” declared Thomas Carlyle. And someone quickly added that “behind every great man is a woman.” In the Philippines, however, women have accomplished great things not behind their men but on equal footing and even in competition with them.

As far back as could be ascertained, women have played important roles in Philippine history. Unlike those of their male counterparts, however, the lives and deeds of leading Filipipino women have not been well appreciated. This lack of appreciation and recognition of feminine accomplishments may be ascribed largely to the death of written literature on great Filipino women.

Women occupied high social standing in ancient Philippines may be deduced from extant historical documents, archaeological artifacts of women-owned ornaments, and numerous folk stories extolling feminine prowess and virtues.