Corazon Aquino was born in 1933 in the Philippines. She got married to Senator Benigno Aquino who was assassinated in the early 1980s. After the death of her husband, she decided to run in the next presidential election in 1985. Her opponent was none other than President Marcos, a dictator who was, in all likelihood, behind her husband’s assassination.
Marcos won amid great suspicion of electoral fraud. Aquino turned to the people to oppose Marco’s rule with peaceful civil disobedience protests. With the support of the Catholic Church and the defected Philippine armed forces, Marcos was removed from power after a dictatorship of 21 years and Aquino took her place as first female president of the country.
Corazon, or Cory as people fondly referred to her, was a self-proclaimed “plain housewife” and is remembered as the mother of Asian democracy to this day. She was the leader of the most successful peace revolution against a dictatorial regime that happened without any bloodshed. During her term in office she oversaw the implementation of the 1987 Constitution which limits the power of the Presidency and appointed a congress.
Her administration put civil liberties, human rights and social justice first. Even though she never completed her law degree, she could speak six languages and was honoured with many awards. Among others Time Magazine’s "Woman of the Year" as well as 16 honorary doctorates. After her death messages of sympathy came from all over the globe. Even the children of ex-president Marcos attended her funeral to show their respects.
On Women’s Day, we can learn so much from stories about excellent women such as Cory Aquino. Firstly – as women, we must stop seeing ourselves as powerless in the face of circumstances that go against our values. When we stand up for what is right, we are giving a voice to the feelings of so many others. Secondly, we can learn that supporting other women who stand up for what’s right, can make a difference and lead to true change on a much larger scale. And thirdly: every woman can make a difference, be it at home or at work. It is not your position but your beliefs that define you.
On this Women’s Day and in Women’s Month, may we all truly celebrate the women in our lives. May you, as a woman, realise your true value and take a step forward in the interest of what is right.
Prof Linda du Plessis
#NWUWomen
