Empowering Women at Ateneo de Davao University: The Story of POWER AdDU

By: Ellyanna Nicole Du

espite the strides taken across the span of several decades, the women’s rights movement has a long way to go. Women still go toe-to-toe with issues such as gender bias, sexual harassment, lack of representation, lack of support, and discriminatory policies. In many cultures, women are also subject to gender-based violence, which stems from societal norms that perpetuate gender inequality and reinforce harmful stereotypes about women.

We owe this dilemma to a deep-seated prejudice against women – a manifestation of unprecedented discrimination, violence, and harassment. An unyielding affliction that has continued to persecute women throughout the ages: misogyny. Misogyny has long woven itself into the fabric of our society – how many times has a woman ablaze with passion been told to snuff out her light? She’s bossy, not a fearless leader, nor an alpha type. A total control freak and absolutely hysterical! Women could spend their entire lives running as fast as they can, condemned to wondering if they’d get there quicker if they were a man.

The worst part? Women are burdened with the experience for the entirety of their lifetimes. In a soliloquy solemnly delivered on Fleabag, Belinda (played by Kristin Scott Thomas) muses, “I’ve been longing to say this out loud — women are born with pain built in, it’s our physical destiny… We carry it with ourselves throughout our lives; men don’t.” It’s a painful reminder. Women often face discrimination and bias in a wide range of settings, regardless of age, much less location.

This is where POWER AdDU steps in.

POWER AdDU, which stands for People’s Organization for Women’s Empowerment and Rights, was founded by a group of Atenean women’s rights advocates. The founding members, who had previously been involved in several women’s youth organizations, felt the need to do more within the university to address the issues that women face. They believed that women’s empowerment should be fought for in the streets and inside the academe, where women have a right to tangible representation.

At Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU), POWER has been a powerful force for change. The organization’s aim is to empower women to take charge of their lives and to fight for their rights. It works towards achieving this goal through education, advocacy, and activism. POWER is committed to providing a safe space for women to come together, share their experiences, and build a community of support.

“Starting an org that’s dedicated to women empowerment was once just a crazy idea,” founding member and Political Science graduate Rose Quimod says. Yet, ever the mastermind, she shares, “I could still remember I posted a tweet from my old Twitter that someday I will establish a women's organization in AdDU. It must be real that what you feed your mind will become your reality.”

However, the road to accreditation was long and waning; and they were far from close. According to Quimod, they fought tooth and nail. “With a strong-willed heart, we attempted for accreditation of a women’s org two times. Although we have not successfully attained it, the women’s group was still functioning.”

Despite the challenges, the founding officers persevered and continued to fight for their vision. They eventually succeeded in getting accredited as a club, marking a significant milestone in their journey toward empowering women at AdDU. “As they say, the third time’s a charm, POWER AdDU – backed with the brave and empowered founding officers, we have been awarded a [Club] Accreditation and officially established a tangible representation inside the institution. It was a big win for all of us. Finally, we can take up more space in Ateneo.”

She continues, “It was during my senior year in undergraduate when we were working again for the Club Accreditation. For that, I gathered a group of women of Ateneo that I know has the heart to continue and fight for our advocacy. With a brave and dasig heart and with no hesitation, Jhoanna [Cayanan], the Founding President, together with the other founding officers, accepted the challenge to lead the now-pioneering women’s organization of Ateneo de Davao.”

Looking back on how far things have come, Quimod shares her one singular regret – “It is a powerful moment to be able to work with these empowered women. My only regret is not having the chance to meet the founding members personally before we were officially conferred with recognized status.” She proudly proclaims that being redirected and having missed opportunities propelled the organization forward. “It was also a moving moment for all of us to push the glass ceiling higher, all the more reason to stand up and pushed for our rights. It was a sweet moment of success!”

Looking ahead, there is nothing but clear skies for the future of POWER. This organization’s support, even during Quimod’s run for SAMAHAN Presidency, was overwhelming. “I used my platform to raise the discussion on women’s rights and the representation of us inside the university.

Furthermore, on the next SAMAHAN Election (2022) months before the club accreditation of POWER AdDU, we made sure the discussion on pushing for the women’s organization will reach many students and that they will realize the big importance of having it recognized and accredited, that there are so many issues of women that need to be addressed, that the question of why there’s no women’s organization in AdDU despite it being a vulnerable sector and still have no tangible representation in the institution were never raised. I thank all the women of Ateneo who supported and amplified the call for our accreditation. This organization will stay for all women even outside the confines of the university.”

As we celebrate the progress made by POWER AdDU in empowering women and fighting for their rights, let us remember that the struggle for gender equality is far from over. It is up to all of us to continue pushing the glass ceiling higher, to speak out against discrimination and bias, and to support and uplift the women in our live. When women thrive, the world thrives.