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Understanding Women's Work

Women's Work

I think one of the most unfortunate maladies of women's lives is gender segregation of work. A manifestation of cultural gender construction which has been perpetuated since the beginning of time It makes me angry that girls are socialized from a very young age to pick up the plates of male family members once a meal is over. I hate the fact it is the mother who applies for emergency leave when the child is ill. This is what I will face on studying these women whose lives are mired in conservatism and patriarchal practices.

Deconstructing women's oppression

It is not enough to name the thing, it is vital to describe it. The description is what eludes me at times. I need to hone my analysis to be able to understand the oppression women face in their lives. The minute religion and culture come into the mix, then it becomes extremely complicated. 

Conflict rears its ugly head

I read today about a portion of the main highway being closed by the military due to skirmishes with the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). This was the route I took to arrive in Sultan Kudrat via Cotabato. This is unexpected news and I hope things improve with time. This was also verified by RDISK staff who travel the route.  This portion had been closed earlier this  morning. As I had mentioned earlier, military checkpoints have been established at every kilometre along this 110 km highway. Despite these preventive measures, it is frightening to know that violence can erupt so easily. Please read the relevant news article:- http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2012/08/06/maguindanao-highway-temporarily-closed-due-to-biff-harassments/

The down dirty of Sultan Kudrat

I managed to get a disc containing relevant data about Sultan Kudrat from Abs who is not the Director of RDISK. He very kindly offered me the data which was compiled by the City Council of Tacurong. He also informed me that the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics provides the most update and comprehensive data available. It is online as well! www.BAS.gov.ph

I must say RDISK is so integral to my work here in Sultan Kudrat. I want to cook them a feast soon as a token of my appreciation. They did look wary when I was cooking today with chilli powder! There were some remarks about spicy food but I guess I can always convince them to try.

Fieldwork Matters

I called Genevieve today and made an appointment with her tomorrow. She has kindly arranged for transportation to send me to the plantation. I am very keen to study MAPABEMCO first because of the high number of women members in the cooperative. I will prepare some basic questions tomorrow. I need to find out some details pertaining to average income earned, tasks on the plantation, level of education and matters related to cooperatives. I will need to get this information from Genevieve.




 

 






 



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