This holds true for 52-year-old Josie and 22-year-old Fely (not their real names) who both suffered abuses, but who continue to move on with life amidst their tragic encounters.
Bantiloc, Josie, and Fely are among the many women who are not afraid of upholding their rights amidst the many injustices they suffer.
Bantiloc has been wheelchair-bound since she was six after her pelvic was fractured. She fell from a flight of stairs in her hometown in Kalinga and never had the chance to walk since then.
But her condition did not bar her from achieving what she wanted. Bantiloc is a holder of numerous medals obtained from national and international power lifting competitions.
She first obtained a silver medal in the 2003 Asean games in Vietnam and placed fourth during a competition in Malaysia this year. She has three kids.
Bantiloc's story is different from Josie's and Fely's -- who are both survivors of abuses.
Josie's tragic life started when she married a British national who she thought would give her a better life. A battered wife for 20 years, she decided to end her marriage in 2004 when her daughter was physically abused by her husband.
Fely, a survivor of sexual abuse, said her world turned upside down after the tragic incident, but did not allow this to ruin her life.
She has been put under the care of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) at the age of 13. Fely stayed with the DSWD for six years.
She gave birth at 15. "I am not close to the baby," she said. (Fely was sexually abused by her stepfather) Her eight-year-old son is now with her mom. Now 22, Fely is a third year Social Work student at the Saint Louis University. "I want to help, that's the reason I chose this course."
Vowing she will not allow herself to be a homemaker for the rest of her married life, Vivian Fernandez said she took advantage of the adage "pera sa basura."
With the implementation of the waste segregation scheme, the Kalipi women's organization in Barangay South Sanitary Camp, where Fernandez is president joined the bandwagon of environmentally-aware mothers.
Kalipi joined the solid waste management program of the barangay. Later on the group ventured into the sale of recyclable materials. Income derived from the project was used to finance various projects of the organization.
Fernandez's active involvement in the group also gave rise to her popularity. From a simple housewife, she won as barangay councilwoman during the recently elections.
"I broke tradition that only men can be leaders," Fernandez said, adding that Barangay South Sanitary Camp was chosen as hall-of-fame recipient for their cleanliness campaign.
Josie and Fely said theirs are tragedy, but their being able to share these somehow made them feel better, saying their tales would inspire, if not encourage other women suffering the same to come out in the open and end their agony.
Fernandez and Bantiloc said having less in life is no barrier for women to reach for their goals. (JC/RO)
