Rea Ella B. Luzano BSTRM 3-1N REFLECTION ON RIZAL’S LETTER TO THE WOMEN OF MALOLOS Gender discrimination has been around for centuries. Women, in particular, have been the principal target of prejudice throughout history in every part of the globe. In the Philippines, as far as the history is concerned, gender discrimination started upon the arrival of Spanish invaders. They brought with them their patriarchal values on women and instilled them in the indigenous, which became embedded in our culture and traditions. Back then, women were not allowed to attain education regardless of their social status, nor were they allowed to participate in any political discussion. Their only function in the society was to reproduce, be submissive to their husbands, and do the household chores. They have been raised to be modest at all times— conservative in words, actions, and clothings. Surprisingly, in Philippine history, a group of twenty women from Malolos petitioned Governor-General Weyler for the permission to open a night school so that they may be able to study Spanish under Teodoro Sandiko. Although Father Felipe Garcia objected, resulting in the turning down of the petition by the Governor-General, their ambition to attain education never withered. They sustained their agitation that led them to triumph as their petition was granted permission in a condition that Señorita Guadalupe should serve as their teacher. Jose Rizal, a man with an ultimate desire for women to attain the same opportunities enjoyed by men in education, was overjoyed to have learned the news about the brave women of Malolos. It prompted Rizal to write a letter (in tagalog) addressed to them in which he emphasized the rejection of the spiritual authority of the friars, the defense of private judgment, the qualities Filipino mothers need to possess, the duties and responsibilities of Filipino women to their children and husband, and gave an advice to the young women on choosing a lifetime partner. Reflecting on Rizal's letter to the women of Malolos, I've noticed how pervasive gender inequality is in our society. It is undeniable that the prejudices against women are always present. Regardless of whether it is a national or local issue, only men make decisions and have the final