We’ve seen Wonder Woman whipped her lasso of truth and defended people with her God-killer sword and incredible strength. Supergirl saved humanity with her extraordinary powers and undying perseverance. Captain Marvel came to Earth from space and saved people with her superhuman powers and natural wit.

They are only some of the most powerful women in fiction that acquired support and admiration from their fans because of their supernatural capabilities and heroism. However, supernatural capabilities are not requirements for women in the real world to do noble things. Instead, it requires courage, confidence, perseverance, wit, loyalty, and pure intention to reach lives and unite humanity in the world.

As we celebrated International Women’s Month last March, women from different walks of life, together with the supportive community, continue their pursuit of empowerment through promoting equal opportunities and rights for all, and protecting each other from any threat or violence. They play great roles in each of our lives and our society’s development; they are entitled to redefine the standard of being a woman.

Accelerating gender parity, Fire Officer One Darlene Tolibao of Eastern Visayas Bureau of Fire Protection raised the standard of being a woman and breaks stereotypes, proving that women can be the ultimate man.

“I am a strong independent woman. I was on the verge of giving up. I was tired, I wanted to go home but I realized that there’s no room for me to give up,” Tolibao said. She is now serving the community willingly despite the risks for the sake of saving lives, properties, and even the environment.

Moreover, Sarian Fate Sarinas, a single mother working as a saleslady in Savemore Tacloban City emphasized the vitality of their role as a mother and carry new life into this world.

“Kami hit’ responsible hit’ pagdara hin kinabuhi ngadi kalibutan (We are responsible for bringing life here in the world). We set examples and we teach lessons to our children to be responsible,” Sarinas said emphasizing the essence and role of a mother.

Furthermore, women are extra-man. They can do multiple things at the same time and still maintain harmony. They nourish and protect those who need it, especially their loved ones.

“Women are incredibly powerful and wonderful, for we will give the best we can to make both ends meet for our loved ones, colleagues, and for the society as well,” City Central School Teacher, Jenny Nabadernam said, underlining women’s courage and bravery to counter-attack every challenge in their lives and still establish empowerment despite shortcomings.

The movement for women’s empowerment has come a long way and the results are already recognizable in the community nowadays. However, the movement continues to fight negative criticism and discrimination through speaking up, breaking barriers, and reaching across limitations.

“There’s nothing impossible as long as you do your best. Be yourself. Be a woman” Arianne Jane Petilla, a receptionist at Chew Love Restaurant said.

Women empowerment starts with women empowering themselves – gaining confidence and courage from within and proving to themselves their worth. Thus, defining the woman they are who can conquer the world in their way, wherever stage there may be.

We’ve seen them in the face of a mother, in a suit of a firefighter, in a uniformed teacher, and a young stunner receptionist. We’ve seen them in various physiques and still find them extraordinary. They may not possess supernatural abilities nor are they heroes but truth to be told, they are all super. Super Woman.
Story by Meraflor Pecore