It’s Women’s Month, and while most people are busy organizing events to empower women, it seems some are still stuck with their decades-old idea of womanhood. Case in point: Police Regional Office-Bicol’s viral albeit controversial “stiletto run”.

The stiletto run

In a post shared by the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Facebook, different units of the Police Regional Office-Bicol participated in a “stiletto run” activity in celebration of Women’s Month. 

However, judging by their celebration, it seems that the policemen missed the memo about this year’s theme: “Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas: Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, Patunayan.'”

The police officers were wearing wigs, makeup, and shorts. And if that wasn’t enough of a jest, they went the extra mile by sprinting in heels, supposedly symbolizing men’s acknowledgment of women as trailblazers in society.

Pinoys were offended

With all the struggles women face every day, it’s no surprise why many find the activity offensive. People said it was nothing but a superficial portrayal of womanhood thinly veiled as a performative act. 

“Women’s Month is a call for genuine reflection on the multifaceted challenges women face, transcending the trivialization of experiences. Let us embrace a more profound dialogue that addresses substantive issues, recognizing the depth and diversity of women’s narratives,” one Facebook comment read.

Many also didn’t like how the activity featured men to celebrate Women’s Month.

“Imagine, observance of #WomensMonth pero mga lalaki ang highlight,” another Facebook user said. 

The endless cross-dressing

Regardless of intentions, the act of cross-dressing comes off as shallow, used merely for laughs or entertainment. “Is cross-dressing really necessary for a “stiletto” run?” a netizen asked. “You’re turning somebody else’s daily struggles of expression into your own petty parlor game.”

Expressing support that’s empowering

Nobody’s saying men can’t celebrate Women’s Month — but it’s a different conversation when it veers to another parody rather than a genuine tribute.

Others pointed out that the regional PNP office could’ve thought of other ways to honor Women’s Month with sensitivity, such as volunteering at women’s organizations, conducting seminars on gender equality, or supporting local women-owned businesses.

“Mga ser, imbis na damitan ng pambabae ang mga lalaking pulis, bakit hindi na lang ibida ang mga babaeng pulis? Napakaraming paraan para ipakita ang “solidarity” ninyo sa kababaihan,” a Facebook user suggested.

Women are more than a pair of stilettos

If there’s anything we can learn from this controversy, it’s that we still have a long road ahead of us to dismantle the stereotypes and misogyny plaguing women. Being a woman is embracing your hopes and dreams— owning your voice and refusing to be silenced by toxic cultural norms. Babae ka; hindi babae lang.

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