Sunflower as symbol of the fight against misogyny

 

The powerful drumbeats of the University of the Philippines (UP) Varsity Pep Drummers along with strong  anti-misogyny messages   reverberated around the academic oval during the Fourth  Sunflower Run-Walk-Parade   last March 21,2026.

Sunflowers have historically served as a potent symbol of women's rights, particularly in the fight against misogyny, by representing enlightenment, growth, and the pursuit of equality.

“When  wrong is defended, a culture of disrespect begins. Giving respect to women is not optional. It is an obligation, “ said Atty. Dot Gancayco in her welcome speech.

 With the theme  "Pagpugay sa Kababaihan, Pag-asa Para sa Kabataan", this annual event   started in 2023   as part of the Women's Month celebration within the UP community.

Officially recognized by the United Nations in 1977, International Women's Day is celebrated every March 8 as a day when women are recognized for their achievements without regard to divisions, whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political.

March was declared as Women’s Month  after President Cory Aquino  signed Proclamation No.288   on March 17, 1988 emphasizing the role of Filipino women throughout our history.

“This is not just a simple activity. It is a symbol of action. Every step we take is accompanied by a stand. Every participant carries a message—that we will not remain silent, that we care, and that we are ready to be part of change.” Gancayco added.

Misogyny is the hatred of, contempt for, or ingrained prejudice against women, often functioning to maintain patriarchal social roles and lower social status for women.

 It is manifested  through sexism, belittling, harassment, and violence, frequently targeting women who challenge traditional gender norms.

The Supreme Court has taken a strong stance against misogyny, particularly within the legal profession, notably unanimously disbarring lawyer Lorenzo "Larry" Gadon on June 2023 for profane and sexist remarks against  journalist Raissa Robles.

“There is no room in this noble profession for misogyny and sexism. The Court will never tolerate abuse, in whatever form, especially when perpetrated by an officer of the court,”  the SC said in its decision. 

UP President Angelo Jimenez stressed that  the sunflower is fast becoming UP’s second symbol, after the Oblation.

 “Both bend toward the light,”  Jimenez said. Sunflowers, in order to grow, need full sun, just as every student treat every experience inside the university as necessary for their individual growth.

Women empowerment is  also embodied in the giant sunflower lanterns that participants carried around the academic oval. 

Sunflower pins were worn by women in Kansas  as they campaigned for the right to vote  in 1867. While the Kansas referendum failed, yellow remained a color of the suffrage movement through the 20th century.

In the Philippines, April 30, 1937, marked the first time Filipino women exercised their right to vote after an overwhelming 447,725 Filipino women voted in a plebiscite in favor of their right to vote in political elections under Commonwealth Act No. 34.

“ Just like sunflowers that always turn toward the light, women in our communities stand tall, resilient, and full of warmth—guiding the next generation toward a better tomorrow,” said Atty. Vien Tiempo Mendez.

The event  also gave  tribute to UP female athletes with participants from  badminton,  basketball, beach volleyball,  chess, football, swimming,  as well as Filipiniana along with varsity pep squad and  drummers.

Since 1938, UP women’s teams were champions for twenty two  seasons in swimming, twelve in Judo, ten  in badminton, eight  in volleyball, seven in basketball, six in table tennis, five in fencing, four  in softball ,two in chess,  two in taekwondo kyorugi,  one  in football,  and one  in taekwondo poomsae.

“This event  is more than just a gathering or a simple activity. It is a symbol of unity, empowerment, and support for women who nurture, protect, and motivate our children every single day. women play a vital role in shaping the hopes and dreams of the young,” Mendez said.  

“Sunflower parade ” aims to remind the world that women and children have rights that need and deserve to be protected, and to exemplify the truth that these Filipino women are not alone.

To defend women’s rights is to fight misogyny in all its forms, demand accountability from those who perpetuate it, and challenge the social order that keeps women vulnerable, silenced, and exploited.

 The event was led by UP-based women groups which include UP Delta Lambda Sigma Sorority,  UP  Portia Sorority, UP Women in Law, Women Lawyers Circle as well as UP Concert  Chorus and their respective alumni associations , Philippine Association of University Women (PAUW)-UP Chapter, IBP Quezon City, Kontra GaPi, Maritime Law Association of the Philippines and Celebrity Club.

The founders of the event are Atty. Gancayco, Atty. Mendez and the author.

(Peyups is the moniker of the University of the Philippines. Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the Seafarers’ Division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan Law Offices. For comments, e-mail info@sapalovelez.com, or call 0908-8665786.)