Our country’s gender gap index is the highest in Asia. It means that many Filipino women feel empowered to take on anything they set their minds and hearts to without their gender getting in the way of opportunities. But the fight for equality is still not over – and is still struggling in other parts of the world. Some days, we can only do what women do best – support and uplift fellow women.
Here are some inspiring messages you can share with your daughters, friends, mothers and co-workers to raise their confidence, uplift their spirits and make them strong:
"Don’t let anything distract you. Work hard, every day, you should be working towards your goal. There’s no time to slack off and sit and wait for your dream to come true. Nothing is ever given to you for free. You work hard for it. Don’t lose your faith, that’s the most important thing. You will encounter challenges that will frustrate you, but don’t ever lose your faith. That’s what will keep everything intact."
—Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach
"Strong men — men who are truly role models — don't need to put down women to make themselves feel powerful."
—Michelle Obama
"To all of the little girls... never doubt that you are valuable and powerful and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world to pursue and achieve your own dreams."
—Hillary Clinton
"Tasteless remarks and inappropriate advances against women should have no place in our society."
—Vice President Leni Robredo
"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."
—Eleanor Roosevelt, American politician, diplomat, activist, and the longest-serving First Lady of the U.S.
"Never let anyone put limits on what your mind can do. Read, study, expand your mind. When we believe in something, we need to go for it."
—Senator Risa Hontiveros
"We need to reshape our own perception of how we view ourselves. We have to step up as women and take the lead."
—Beyoncé
"We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back. We call upon our sisters around the world to be brave – to embrace the strength within themselves and realize their full potential."
—Malala Yousafzai, Pakistani activist for female education and the youngest-ever Nobel Prize laureate
"You have what it takes to be a victorious, independent, fearless woman."
—Tyra Banks, retired supermodel and mom
"Forget about the fast lane. If you really want to fly, just harness your power to your passion."
—Oprah Winfrey
"Raise your voice to make change. Protect every woman and man from sexual violence in the workplace and beyond."
—Lady Gaga
"I love to see a young girl go out and grab the world by the lapels. Life's a b**ch. You've got to go out and kick ass."
—Maya Angelou, American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist
This story originally appeared on SmartParenting.com.ph.
*Minor edits have been made by FemaleNetwork.com editors
