Women in politics

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor GUILLERMO TEJIDA III Desk Editor NANETTE L. GUADALQUIVER Busines Editor CEDELF P. TUPAS Sports Editor (On Leave) RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

We can never get enough of women's issues, thus, even if it has been almost a hundred years since the first commemoration of Women's Day or Month in New York City, USA, there are issues and more issues still sprouting in relation to women's rights and welfare.

Now that preparations for the national elections in the Philippines have reached fever-pitch, a call has been made for women to have a voice in the political affairs of Negros Oriental as well as in the country. Records in the province have shown that, despite the higher turnout of women voters, there are only a few women running for government positions. In the 2004 polls in Dumaguete City, only one female councilor was elected into office. Of the 25 local chief executives in the province, there are only three women mayors and vice mayors, while in the Senate, only three of the 24 senators are female.

Women's rights advocates say that the low participation of women in politics is largely due to the Filipino tradition of women being seen as not good leaders, and therefore are relegated to work only in their homes. Aside from this, women are also multiple burdened, and while they work in and out of their homes to make both ends meet, their efforts are not fully recognized and compensated.

With some candidates already filing their candidacy in the local elections in May, women can rightfully ask these candidates how they can address the needs and priorities of women.

There are now many active and dynamic women's groups that have been making their presence felt in their communities, and have even managed to influence legislation. The entry of more of them into government will surely ensure that the concerns of those who have opted to play only the roles of wives and mothers will be addressed, and that those who undertake other functions will be able to enjoy all the rights and privileges they are entitled to but have somehow failed to avail of in the past.*