Thirteenth International Conference on Religion & Spirituality in Society

Abstract

The Catholic Church tries to make its own contribution towards the promotion of the common good in various sectors but more importantly in the educational field. Catholic schools’ mission includes forming men and women to be ready to take their place in society, by preparing them to make a social commitment that will enable them to work for the improvement of social structures, and by making these structures more conformed to the principles of the Gospel (The Sacred Congregation for Catholic Education; 1982:19). Around the world, there is a growing demand and clamour for a more gender equal society. Political participation and women leadership are limited if not restricted in all sectors of the society. In order to truly achieve a balance and just society, it is important to give equal opportunity and representation for everyone – whatever race, religion or gender to take up leadership positions (UN Women; 2020: Online). The paper provides a summary of the historical perspective and cultural context of women leadership in the Philippines and how Christianity played a role in the formation of women. It discusses how women leadership emerged throughout history from pre-colonial Philippines, during the Spanish Colonization, American occupation and the recent context of women and leadership. How the research plans to proceed in identifying the effects and influences of Catholic Education in the formation of women in the country in the current context is also reviewed.