The Philippines: A nation of superwomen

Nikki Natividad

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The Philippines: A nation of superwomen
The contemporary superwoman is a slew of different things, but most importantly, she is the captain of her life

MANILA, Philippines – If you open your browser, enter Google, and type in “superwoman definition” this is what’s going to pop up: 

Superwoman |  suːpəwʊmən, ˈsjuː-| noun (pl. superwomen) informal

a woman with exceptional physical or mental ability, especially one who successfully manages a home, brings up children, and has a full-time job. 

On the one hand, it is a testament to the exceptional multitasking skill that is innate to a lot of women, but on the other, the definition seems to retain a rather traditional air to it, wherein women are still expected to marry, have children and be on top of a household.

What about women who choose not to go that route? Are they delegated to a lesser status, or are less ‘super’  than those who fit the description?

Not at all. The dilemma lies in such a limited definition.

The multi-faceted woman

The modern superwoman can be defined by the slashes in her life. 

She is a daughter/ mother/ sister/ friend. She is ambitious/ career-driven/ empathetic/ supportive. She likes to cook/ bake/ box/ run. She may have insecurities but she is a force to be reckoned with. 

There are always two sides to the same coin; always a slash (/) to describe the modern day superwoman.  

Today, there is no limit to what a woman can do or accomplish. Women vote and have a say on how society is run. They compete and take on other pursuits aside from their day jobs. They take up martial arts, surf, or race cars alongside men. It is not uncommon to see women police officers, women engineers, software developers and CEOs. Women can even become President and run a nation. 

These modern times have truly afforded women certain liberties that those of the Maria Clara age could only dream of, but sometimes it tends to feel like a double-edged sword. Some women, due to hard times, feel compelled to work out of necessity. A single-income household is a rarity nowadays, particularly when more than one child is involved. Career paths are chosen or changed based on growing monetary needs and not necessarily based on the need for something more stimulating or challenging. 

Some of the more common issues that today’s multitasking women may find themselves struggling with is finding work-life balance or personal fulfillment amid various responsibilities to the family. 

Who is the superwoman?

Mothers tend to shine in this respect, given the complex and demanding role of motherhood. Inasmuch as it is rewarding and is a gift, motherhood comes with its own set of challenges that can bring any woman to her knees. But in spite of the difficulties, many women still choose to make that leap and somehow make it work.  

Mothers may be superwomen, but there is no way that they are the only ones who could be. Their strength and tenacity are attributes shared by women that are not necessarily mothers and are considered superwomen as well. In spite of the odds, and despite these tumultuous times, the woman who makes do and is able to grit her teeth and take charge of her life is a superwoman. The woman who prioritizes her own health in the name of the people that depend on her is a superwoman.  

The Philippines as a nation of superwomen

The Philippines is a nation that has had 2 women presidents and has one of the highest percentage of women CEOs in the world. It is a country that embraces and is very proud of its women, and where they are able to enjoy the same freedom men enjoy. All the while, it is a country where women are continuously juggling all their different roles to make others, and also themselves, happy. 

To its credit, and inconsistencies aside, the Philippines has always been a country that has shown a kind of equality between man and woman. Our use of Filipino pronouns like siya, ikaw, or ako illustrates our being gender neutral. And thanks to this kind of supportive culture, the superwoman came to be. It inspired women to be whomever they chose to be, and empowered them to pursue their multifaceted lifestyles. 

But most importantly, ordinary women everywhere turned themselves into superwomen when they chose to take charge of the many dimensions of their life. They are career women/ athletes/ wives/ all of the above/ and more.

Sound familiar? Take time out to raise a glass to the superwomen in your life and celebrate the wonders of womanhood today! — Rappler.com 


Being a modern day superwoman is no easy task, make sure your body is up to the challenge everyday with a healthy and delicious breakfast. Partner your breakfast with NESTLÉ Fruit Selection Yogurt. It has Live Microorganisms that help boost immunity and digestion, and has Calcium for stronger bones. It’s low fat and yummy, and is the companion for every woman on the go. Be sure to have a diet that complements the way you live today. #mySUPERFOOD

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