Today marks International Women’s Day, a global celebration of women empowerment and gender equality across all divisions. Even though so much has progressed in women’s rights, women still suffer from discrimination, misogyny, and offensive comments that remind the world why there’s still so much that needs change. With that being said, here are some of the most irritating things women often hear and should be put to rest for good.

“Kailan mo balak mag-asawa?”

If women got a penny every time they’re asked this question, they’re probably billionaires by now. Some women enjoy singlehood, and bombarding them with countless marriage-related questions is rude. So for the sake of humanity, let’s understand that it’s okay to be single, folks! Marriage and romantic relationships aren’t the only things women live for.

“Mas maganda ka pag walang make-up/naka-make-up”

PSA: Women wear make-up because they want to — because it sparks joy and makes them feel beautiful — not because they’re trying o impress you. Conversely, some women don’t wear make-up because they don’t want to. How women choose to use cosmetics is up to them, and if you don’t have anything nice to say, just keep your opinions to yourself. Got it?

“Magiging malungkot ka kung wala kang anak”

For most of history, a woman’s life has always been associated with only two things: marriage and raising children. While there’s nothing wrong with wanting either of those, people must also learn to accept and understand it’s okay to be child-free. 

It doesn’t make you less of a woman to pursue your dreams and ambitions. If a woman wants to build a career while looking after her kids, she has all the right to do that as well! The point is, women are more than all the stereotypical things that society expects them to be. 

“Ano ba ‘yan, ang taba/payat mo na”

In life, there’s someone who’ll ask you about your weight out of nowhere. You won’t believe how many women are made fun of and body-shamed because of their weight. It’s rude to make unsolicited comments on a woman’s weight (and everyone, in general) because these may trigger past traumas you’re unaware of. 

People always preach that women should embrace who they are, but they’re also the same people who criticize them for failing to meet society’s so-called beauty standards. 

“Babae ka, kaya dapat marunong kang [insert household chores], para sa magiging asawa mo”

Sadly, some believe women must learn every household chore in preparation for marriage. It’s a belief that insinuates that not knowing how to cook, iron clothes, or do laundry somewhat makes women less desirable, dismissing other great qualities they have. Why does it always have to be women? Why can’t we foster a mindset that everyone needs to pitch in at home?

“Bakit ang sungit mo ngayon? May period ka ba?”

It’s rude to automatically assume that a woman’s frustrations or anger are linked to her monthly period. Sure, studies show women tend to be moody before their period, but that doesn’t invalidate their feelings. You don’t get to police how a woman should feel or express their emotions, especially if you did something that gives them all the right to feel upset.  

“Dapat kumilos ka na parang isang babae”

People who say this always demand women to act in a way that fits their taste. They don’t want women to be ambitious, express their views, or be bold — and the relentless list of what a woman shouldn’t be goes on. Once a woman embraces her strengths and soars to greater heights, she gets villainized because some people can’t stand seeing women thrive alone. 

Catcalls

It can’t be stressed enough how women feel uncomfortable, objectified, and traumatized by catcalling. Catcallers love inappropriate grabbing, showing off vulgar gestures, or making sexually suggestive jokes toward women, and they’d go as far as saying it’s just a compliment. What kind of mindset is that? You can praise women without sounding like a creep. Catcalling is disrespectful and should never be tolerated. End of discussion.

To women: no matter what people say, remember this: babae ka, hindi babae lang. Happy International Women’s Day!

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