IN AN effort to promote women empowerment, The Ateneo Assembly held a symposium entitled “Politics and Passion” on November 28 in the Ching Tan Room.

The speakers were the following: Samahan ng mga Pilipina para sa Reporma (Spark) Philippines Treasurer Socorro Yap, Political Science Assistant Professor Vene Rallonza, PhD and Works of Heart founder Roxy Navarro.

Spark Philippines is a non-government organization made up of women who are devoted to the development of women’s organizations and the furthering of women empowerment.

Works of Heart is a youth-led social enterprise that utilizes effective art and design for social change.

The symposium was part of a week-long activity held from November 25 to 29 called “Socio Political Advocacy Show.” It was organized by The Ateneo Assembly and aimed to advocate women rights and equality through art.

The Ateneo Assembly President Harvey Chua said that art plays a critical role in social transformation.

“[We organized] the talk to commemorate the women in her oppressed and [powerful] state through artistic expressions,” he said.

Women equality and empowerment

Rallonza and Navarro discussed how to promote women empowerment and equality amidst masculine hegemony in the modern context.

She said that the existence of hegemonic masculinity hinders women empowerment and equality.

“You may have empowered women, but that doesn’t necessarily translate to women equality. You may have women equality, but that doesn’t necessarily translate to the erasure of violence against women,” she added.

She said that through the transformation of the gender system, the hegemonic relationship of men and women in the modern society will change into a more informed social framework where women equality is more accepted.

Meanwhile, Navarro said not to let society define an individual based on gender identity. “Don’t let the world define you. You have a blank canvass. As long as it’s something you believe in, then do it,” she said.

“You have to hold on to things that empower you,” Navarro added.

Project Head Pauline Carillo said that regardless of gender, nation-building requires recognition of greater societal needs.

“One can respond to such impetus through different venues, mediums and career pursuits, whether or not they [are] through art and media,” she said.

“The commitment to such life project is what empowerment is,” Carillo added.