Empowering Women: The Fight for Suffrage and Equality

Abstract

The significance of the movie “Iron Jawed Angels” is explored in depicting the challenges women encountered in the early 1900’s while striving for voting rights in a society dominated by men. It focuses on a period when women were viewed as possessions, underscoring the courage of individuals such as Paul and Burns who advocated for women's rights and suffrage. Furthermore, it sheds light on the often disregarded importance of suffrage and its consequences, including its adoption in the Philippines. Lastly, it discusses how some leaders rejected women's contribution to national progress and hesitated to grant them voting privileges.

Summary

The image illustrates the story of Alice Paul and Lucy Burns, two brave women who played a crucial role in the struggle for American women's right to vote. They were leaders of the National Women's Party (NWP), which they formed after leaving the larger organization, National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA). After organizing a parade with NAWSA, where labor lawyer Milholland was also involved before joining NWP, Paul and Burns felt motivated to take action.

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The parade caused chaos as men violently opposed it, resulting in negative publicity for NAWSA. Accused of financial misconduct, Paul and Burns departed from NAWSA and established NWP with help from donors like Helen Keller.

As part of their main advocacy, they wrote the first equal rights amendment to be presented before the Congress. Being constantly rejected by the President, they resorted to staging regular protests at the gate of White House, with the intention of persuading Woodrow, even after the US entry into the war.

As they continued the protests during the time of war, it lead to a public outcry, violence against the protesters and subsequent arrest. They were then tried in court, and the judge convicted them of obstructing traffic and imposed a $10 fine.

The women who refused to pay the $10 fine for not breaking any laws were imprisoned in the Occoquan workhouse in Virginia and declared themselves “political prisoners.” Paul, after being convicted, started a hunger strike and was transferred to the “psychopathic ward.” The prison psychiatrist, assigned to prove her insanity, found that Paul was mentally competent and devoted to a just cause. Despite resistance from the presidential delegation, he claimed that "for women… courage is often mistaken for insanity."

Paul endured brutal force-feeding multiple times during her hunger strike, along with a vicious assault on her dignity, personhood, and cause. News of the mistreatment, torture, and force-feeding of these innocent women at the prison spread, thanks in part to a female guard and Leighton's husband. This led to widespread support for the women, ultimately prompting Congress, under the President's mandate, to amend the law. The approval of the 26th and 19th amendments granted American women the right to vote.

Discussion

The right of suffrage, encompassing the right to vote, participate in the electoral process, and engage in public or government affairs, is enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) adopted on 10 December 1948 by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA Res 217A(III)(UDHR) art 5) and also in the Philippines' 1987 Constitution (CONST. art. V, Art. 5). This fundamental right is often overlooked and undervalued, with Filipino voters failing to fully exercise it in a manner that upholds its purpose. Instead, we often commodify this right by allowing political candidates to purchase our votes. Beyond vote-buying, there is also a lack of voter capability in selecting qualified candidates. Many registered voters opt not to participate, feeling that their vote holds no significance in a nation governed by a select few.

Voting in government is crucial, as highlighted by the powerful quote "Voice is for those who have votes." Eligible voters can participate in suggesting changes, passing laws, and running for public office. The struggle for women's suffrage in the Philippines led to women gaining the right to vote on April 30, 1937 through an amendment to the 1935 Constitution. Today, we are fortunate to live in a time where women have equal rights to vote, work, and pursue opportunities thanks to the advocacy of many individuals, especially women.

Paul and Burns experienced a difficult struggle in the movie, enduring ridicule, verbal assaults, disapproval, and manipulation. They also faced harsh physical conditions like forced feeding and torture as they fought for justice. This transition highlighted society's historical perspective of women as objects meant only to serve their partners and children.

Various laws and instruments, such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), also known as the International Bill of Rights for Women, have been established to protect women's rights. Advocated by Filipina Leticia Ramos-Shahani, this convention strives to promote gender equality by providing women with opportunities for political participation, education, health care, and employment.

All States parties agree to implement necessary measures, such as laws and temporary special actions, to ensure women have full access to their human rights and fundamental freedoms. The Philippines is recognized for its strong efforts in safeguarding women's rights, exemplified by the passing of RA 9262: Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children (Petralba, Pepita Jane, Manila: Rex Book Store, 2013, p. 114).

Despite advancements, certain countries in Muslim regions such as Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan continue to disregard women's rights and societal contributions.

Considering these elements, we reflect on the significance of women participating in a nation's leadership and progress. Women are not just mothers bringing forth the future generation, but also crucial participants in a country's growth. Their unique contributions surpass what men can offer. Therefore, it is vital to protect women's rights, provide them with backing, and recognize their importance on par with men.

The conclusion is...

The Philippines is a country that highly values and respects women's rights and their societal roles. This is evident in the various treaties and laws they have signed to support women's welfare. The journey towards women's liberation has been challenging, with individuals like Paul and Burns making sacrifices. Despite the lack of recognition for these rights, there is optimism that people will come to understand the significance of each person in the nation's progress. It is also anticipated that one day, all members of the international community will acknowledge the importance of women, their rights, and their freedom.

References
1. Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted 10 December 1948 UNGA Res 217 A(III)(UDHR) art 5.
2. 1987 Philippine Constitution (Article 5).
3. Women’s suffrage in the Philippines, 2008. Retrieved from https://womensphere.wordpress.com/2008/05/06/womens-suffrage-in-the-philippines-71-years-after.
4. Petralba, Pepita Jane, Hornbook on International and Philippine Human Rights. Manila: Rex Book Store, 2013, p. 4
5. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, retrieved from http://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/cedaw/cedaw.htm