Pre-Hispanic Filipino Women

In the pre-colonial period, the Philippines was not a cohesive state, as it is now.
It
was made up of a number of loosely connected principalities, each having its own
social, political, and economic systems, as well as tribal leaders. Kinship, beliefs, and
economic interest were the primary organizing principles for community life and social
activities. The tribe monarch was counseled by an older council, which also acted as a
judge and lawgiver. The Babaylan was venerated in some societies as a priestess or
religious practitioner, as well as a healer, counselor, and tribe mediator. Regardless of
their names, each tribe had its own religious practitioners who were given preference
over males. The matriarchal society that many of us imagined the Philippines always
had is also incorrect. The erroneously supposed patriarchal upbringing, with its
machismo and hints of sexism, developed later with Spanish colonialism. Historically,
there was always an equal relation not only between husband and wife, but also in child
rearing. Male and female progeny were equally revered by the early Filipinos. Only
primogeniture and validity were distinct in terms of inheritance distribution. Education
gave equal opportunities for both sexes.
Arranged marriages were common among pre-Spanish Filipinos. The groom and
his family paid dowry to the bride's parents in an agreed-upon amount based on their
financial situation. When the woman married, her name was not changed. In some
Tagalog communities, if a lady was very notable, the husband would frequently take her
name. As a result, it was common to hear people allude to Ninay's or Isyang's husband.
Prior to colonial times, Filipino wives were regarded as companions rather than slaves.
She treasured her independence in family decision-making. Her viewpoint extended
beyond domestic issues such as whether or not to have a child.
In conclusion, when it comes to gender equality amongst Nations, the Philippines

ranks number one in Asia and ninth in the world. The Philippines also ranks globally
when it comes to gender equality in education and in health and I believe this
achievement pales in comparison to the ancient woman of our islands. Women in the
ancient societies in what is now the Philippines, enjoyed the rights freedom and
privileges equal to those of men and in some aspects even greater. Here are some of
the things we didn’t know about women in Pre-Colonial era. Woman were never the
property of man as opposed to Western societies and in many Eastern traditions. In
fact, woman were also entitled to the old properties independent to those of men.
Moreover, women had also the right to divorce their husbands. For a number of
reasons, including the failure to satisfy her in their marriage and even in divorce, women
were entitled to their own properties before marriage, and an equal part to the property
they acquired during their marriage. Furthermore, in some cases men also had to pay
their ex-wives a fortune after their divorce. Women also had the freedom and the rights
over their own bodies and sexuality including the right to abortion. Even virginity was not
a big of a deal back then. Additionally, women also occupied one of the highest and
most revered places than these ancient societies. They were known as the Babaylan to
the Visayans, Mamaluyan for the kapampangans, Katalonan to the tagalogs. They were
the spiritual and religious leaders of their time. In fact, they were known to be the
vessels of the Gods. Lastly, women were not just confined to domestic and religious
affairs. They were not just the head of the family but also key decision-makers in
society. Many of them were fierce warriors in the battlefield and many of them are also
great leaders rightfully inheriting the throne and the kingdoms of their parents.
Additionally, documents signed and witnessed by women were also of a higher value
than those done without their presence. These are just a few of the many things about
women in the time of our ancestors but, we also have to keep in mind that what we now
call the Philippines was an archipelago, diverse people, a collection many nations. Each
with their own sets of laws and customs. The things that I mentioned were just some of
the common ones and with such evidence those experts agreed that the ancient
societies of our islands were indeed matriarchal in nature.

Pre-Hispanic Filipino Women

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Pre-Hispanic Filipino Women

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In the pre-colonial period, the Philippines was not a cohesive state, as it is now.

In conclusion, when it comes to gender equality amongst Nations, the Philippines

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