INFOGRAPHIC: #WHIPIT: Behind the labels

MANILA, Philippines – Rappler, in cooperation with Pantene, recently released a study on gender bias. Men and women in the National Capital Region (NCR) were asked to reveal their attitudes regarding women at home, at work, in politics, and in society in general.

The poll, conducted last October 2013, showed that NCR adults are getting progressive in their perceptions of gender-based roles and in their views on issues affecting women. Yet while respondents appear to be generally open-minded, the results also revealed that attitudes and perceptions regarding gender equality surface a disconnect when it comes to actual execution of support. What people think does not necessarily translate to what people actually do. Other national surveys and studies also echoed similar sentiments.

With these tensions still existing, how can we achieve true equality?

We can start by whipping labels away from women. A woman can wear many hats, and carry many titles throughout her life. Regardless of the existence of certain social structures that may weigh her down or hamper her progress, the Filipino woman pushes on: she is relentless in adjusting, adapting, appropriating, and improving. She, not society, should dictate what she wants to be called and what she wants to be – and she makes sure of it, in all aspects of her life. From her family situation to her work life, women constantly struggle to break barriers and overcome hurdles. There are major setbacks, yes, but there are also significant victories.

Check out the survey results in the interactive infographic below. Click on a term, and learn what people really think about the label.

The results show that, despite a general improvement when it comes to equality in roles both at home and work, gender bias on a perception level still exists. Most agree that it’s OK for a woman to be career-oriented, ambitious, and successful. But when push comes to shove, a woman is still expected to give up her job for her family – or let a man win a coveted post.

Words are words. Numbers are numbers. But many people – women and men alike – do not take these definitions sitting down. There have been courageous women who have spoken about their experiences. There have been women who spoke of how they overcame their past negativities into their present positive mindframe. Women have been making waves in many sectors of society. Labels or no labels, these women focus on the bottom line: self-improvement and social empowerment. READ: On self-labelling: women stereotypes or female archetypes?

As women and men who belong in one society, more discussions and actions should happen to alleviate the situation. There have been efforts, of course, but we still need to probe deeper and fight harder. Join us to continue this journey.

Step up and don’t be afraid to shine boldly. – Rappler.com