Herstories from Argentina and the Philippines, Highlighting the Role of Women in Shaping Philippine and Argentine History

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA. - On 16 March 2024, members of the Filipino community in Argentina gathered at the Philippine Embassy to attend “Women in Nation-Building: Herstories from Argentina and the Philippines,” which featured talks on Argentine and Filipino women who played important roles in shaping the nation throughout history.

Ambassador Grace T. Cruz-Fabella, in her remarks, noted that throughout history, there were strong and brave women everywhere who became trail-blazers and broke glass ceilings. There were other women whose quiet but invaluable support and contribution laid the foundation for greater things to be achieved. The work and sacrifices of these women form the bedrock of our nations and societies. She highlighted the importance of women’s representation in various fields of endeavor, especially the typically male-dominated ones such as science, and encouraged the women in the Filipino community to become role models for the young women in their lives.

Ana Carolina Kliauga, an architect and tourism professional, highlighted the contributions of Argentine women to the nation’s development in politics, education, and art.  The Embassy’s GAD Focal Point officer Vice Consul Anna Christina Iglesias focused on the precolonial Filipina and the effects of colonization on the Filipino woman, highlighting Filipino women’s heroism in the struggle for independence and resistance against foreign occupation during the second World War, and honoring Filipino women who made an impact on literature, education and suffrage. She encouraged the participants to learn more about Filipino women and their contributions to the nation, especially those whose stories are not readily found in history books.

Members of the Filipino community then had a lively and open discussion on other notable women in Philippine history and the challenges women continue to face today. The event ended with a traditional Filipino lunch and salu-salo.   END.