Name: Guro, Zaima L.

Subject/Sec.: Hst107/Xx

Women in the American period

Emancipation of Women

One good influence of the American was the emancipation of Filipino women from the social
and political restrictions of Spanish days. Women were able to enjoy their youth without
restrictions. Filipino women were no longer secluded within the narrow confines of the home.
They were given freedom to go out and associate with men, and to attend social parties even
without chaperons. They were allowed to work. To engage in business To attend political
meetings. Participate in active sports. However, these emancipation also brings disadvantage in
the safety of women. Though women are known for their bravery they are still undeniably
fragile.

Education

During the Spanish regime women were viewed to be reserved, shy and submissive to men.
Moreover, when the American regime takeover they saw potential on women in the field of
economic growth which gave the women new opportunities. Filipino women received a kind of
education during the American period primarily prepared them to respond to the demands of
the colonial bureaucracy and economy. American colonial education shaped the consciousness
of the Filipino women in a way that she transformed into modern woman. The level of women
literacy increased, they gained access to new types of work and career, however these were
not enough to have the equality they need.

The economic role of Filipino women during the American period

At the turn of the 19th century, numerous occupations became highly dependent on the
presence of women employees, especially in the manufacturing industry. The entry of women
into the factory system showcased their industrious prowess highlighting their qualities like
adaptability, patience, and the resistance to commit frauds, which were deemed advantageous.
Filipinas possessed great skills in weaving, using different kinds of fiber like abaca, pineapple,
silk, and cotton, to make a variety of cloths. They also excelled in making hats, cigar cases, mats,
baskets, slippers, purses, umbrellas, seat covers, etc.

Thier hobbies like weaving, embroidery eventually turned into a profitable business as they
were able to earn money from selling their products in public markets. And this became one of
the chief exports of the Philippines during the American colonization era. In 1921, the
exportation of embroideries amounted to at least Php 15,000,000 and in 1919, exports of hats
amounted to Php 1,490,020. The sheer number of export goods made by Filipinas proved the
Name: Guro, Zaima L.

Subject/Sec.: Hst107/Xx
importance of their role in the economic development of the country. Moreover, it was
observed by the Americans that Filipinas showed signs of independence because of their urge
to improve the economic status of their families. The influence of women in business has even
extended to retail and other industries previously dominated by men. Women were able to get
the opportunity to break away from traditional gender-related roles. This rise in opportunity
became the guiding light towards the independent Filipino women that we see today.

Women Suffrage

In the arena of politics and legislation, the role of women was first heightened by the Suffragist
Movement (1898-1937) which gained for the Filipino women the right to vote and be voted
upon. According to the Constitution, suffrage would be granted if at least 300,000 qualified
women should vote affirmatively in a plebiscite to be held within two years after the adoption
of the Constitution. In conformity with this constitutional provision, the plebiscite was held on
April 30, 1937. In this plebiscite 447,725 women voted in favor of suffrage and only 44, 307
against it.

In the general election of December 14, 1937, twenty-four women were elected to municipal
and provincial offices and one woman to the city council.

 Miss Carmen Planas, "Manila's darling" first woman to be elected to the city councilof
Manila.
 Mrs. Elisa R. Ochoa of Agusan, was elected to the House of Representative in the
national election of November 11, 1941 She was the first Filipino woman to become a
member of the Congress of the Philippines.