Babae ka kalahati ka ng buhay…
Kung ikaw kaya’y wala saan ang buhay ipupunla…
Pinatunayan mong kaya mong magpaalila…
Ngunit kaya mo ring magpalakad ng bansa…
Ang pinto ng pag-unlad ngayon sa iyo’y napabungad…
Harapin mo buksan mo ang iyong pagkatao…
Babae ka…
These are powerful words from the song Babae Ka that was popularized by the late Susan Fernandez-Magno, a woman activist and feminist who was well-known for her progressive songs. Her life and songs were the focus of the recently launched book, A Voice of Hope in a Time of Darkness, by activist and author, Luchie Maranan. During the launch, held at the UP Baguio lobby, women artists led by Raya Jaramillo and Ling-Ling Claver, together with Luchie Maranan, Doris Wilson and Cynthia Dacanay rendered the song Babae Ka. This empowering song starts off with how women are seen as weak beings and mere objects of desire and beauty. Despite these challenges, the song rises to highlight the strength and power of women. The song further hammers in the reality that, without women, there will be no functional society.
On women’s month, it’s high time that we give due credit to and empower all women!
By Wilen Mina
Convenor-OIC
Kasarian Gender Studies Center
