National Women’s Month every March of each year is a time to honor the invaluable contributions of Filipinas from all sectors of society throughout history—from the elder Melchora Aquino of the Spanish era to the younger modern-day Alex Eala who made history at the 2025 Miami Open with her spectacular tennis skills.
It is a time to reflect on the quiet strength, unwavering courage and boundless resilience of women who defied expectations. It is a time to celebrate not just the legendary Filipinas who have shaped our nation’s history, but also the millions of Filipino women who help shape our country’s future.
Not all Filipina heroines make it to the pages of history books, but their impact is just as profound. There are the single mothers who sacrifice daily, who juggle multiple jobs to rise above financial struggles in carrying the welfare of their children on their shoulders.
There are also the OFWs, many of whom are women who are compelled to work as domestic helpers, endure untold hardships, suffer abuses, and even risk their lives abroad just to provide a better future for their families here, proving that love and sacrifice can be inseparable.
The 1865 poem, “The Hand that Rocks the Cradle is the Hand that Rules the World,” written by William Ross Wallace, captures the essence of womanhood: the nurturing hands that raise children also shape the nation’s future. It pays tribute to the enduring legacy of the love of mothers for their children, as well as the virtues and influence of women in shaping the fabric of society.
But the poem’s message isn’t meant to imply that a woman’s role is confined to motherhood alone, even as it highlights the profound impact of the nurturing role of women who shape minds, instill values, and inspire actions that change the world.
The role of Filipinas has always been crucial. Whether in raising families, fighting for independence, or leading scientific discoveries, their contributions continue to ripple through time. Their hands—whether holding a pen, a plow, a gavel, or the hands of those they guide—indeed shape history.
Extraordinary Filipinas whose legacies continue to inspire generations of Filipinos fill the pages of Philippine history.
There’s the remarkable bravery of Gabriela Silang, who was the first Filipina to lead the fight against Spanish colonial rule after her husband, Diego Silang, was killed. She proved that women can be as fierce and cunning as men, and that a woman’s strength isn’t confined to the home but can extend to the battlefield.
Melchora Aquino, affectionately called “Tandang Sora,” provided refuge and aid to wounded Katipuneros despite the risks, earning her the title “Mother of the Philippine Revolution.” There’s also Gregoria de Jesús, the “Lakambini ng Katipunan” and wife of Andres Bonifacio, who also led women in the fight for independence.
Josefa Llanes Escoda, founder of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines, played a crucial role in organizing relief efforts for Filipino prisoners during World War II, embodying both courage and compassion. She dedicated her life to training young girls to be future leaders.
And let’s not forget Corazon C. Aquino who rose from being a housewife to become the Philippines’ first woman president and Asia’s first female head of state. Her moral integrity and leadership during turbulent times ensured her legacy as among the most influential women in our nation’s history.
Of course, the heroism of weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz shall never be forgotten. She gave the Philippines its very first Olympic gold medal as she proved that Filipinas can also excel in male-dominated sports.
And, as earlier mentioned, the tenacity of tennis sensation Alex Eala, who made history at the 2025 Miami Open by being the first-ever Filipina to reach the semifinals of a prestigious international tournament by defeating three Grand Slam champions, is truly inspiring.
From the fight for independence to sports, from governance to humanitarian work, Filipinas continue to excel. As National Women’s Month comes to a close, let’s reflect on the strength, brilliance, and resilience of Filipino women—past and present. May their legacies inspire the next generation to break barriers and shape a better world.
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