IMAGINE a place where the population consists of only women, it is a world without societal expectations or stereotypes that tie them down. A world with limitless opportunities for women to be who they are and who they want to be. Believe it or not, such a world somewhat exists. Students enter exclusive all-girls schools for eight hours a day and five days a week, ultimately stepping into a world where the population is predominantly female.
But what do people know about exclusive all-girls schools? Beyond the strict rules on colored hair ties, a ban on flashy jewelry, and a no-makeup rule to enforce simplicity, there is much more to discover about these schools in the Philippines. As some of these institutions shift to co-ed systems, what does it mean for female students who grew up in these women-centered institutions?
Women can!
In their formative years, young women from all-girls schools are immersed in environments where they are encouraged to believe that women can accomplish anything they put their minds to.
Tanya Uy, who grew up studying at an all-girls institution, shared how it was an empowering environment for her, “Growing up in an all-girls school my whole life, I was surrounded by girls who believed in each other’s capabilities. No matter how we style ourselves, where we came from, and what our sexual orientation is, we all developed this unconscious belief that a girl is capable of anything. While there may be some fair share of drama, this environment still served as a safe space for girls to just happily be girls… The friendships I developed in my school strengthened my beliefs as a girl’s girl, and my schoolmates inspired me to be more ambitious with my work and my goals in life,” she explains.
Sophia Santiago echoes the sentiments, having spent 14 years studying in a predominantly female environment. She grew up with the notion that there is no dream too big for a woman, “My school was always encouraging us to do more and would find ways to provide opportunities with our dreams. I even remember asking my parents as a kid, “Is there a job a woman hasn’t done yet? If there is, then let’s see if I can do it.” And I feel the mentality of being secure enough to dream about having vast career options and the idea that I can do it as a young girl is a testament to the environment in my former school.” she explains.
An exclusive school for girls creates an environment where women can confidently express themselves, boost their self-esteem, and develop skills that prepare them to be well-rounded individuals by the time they graduate.
Cultivating generations of sisterhood
At an all-girls school, young women can find solace in knowing they are part of a community that uplifts their fellow women. As they excel in academics, take on leadership roles, and explore various passions, they are surrounded by like-minded people who believe in the value of sisterhood.
Martha Mayoralgo, who was in an all-girls school for 13 years, looks back on her fondest memory at school: the sense of community the students have built. “Our school has this tradition in which the seniors, dating way back even before the K-12 implementation, would do something we call a “farewell walk”. This is a time wherein the whole student body gathers around corridors and we’re encouraged to create posters that have greetings for our seniors, wishing them luck in the next chapter after graduating. Most of my friends and I had friends from higher batches which made it a bittersweet experience to see them bid the old familiar halls goodbye, but we were always thrilled to see them beam us their brightest smiles.” she recalls.
Beyond the community they have inside school premises, Ysabelle Yao, who spent five years at an all-girls school, shared that it opened her eyes to various socio-civic endeavors, all of which helped shape her ideals and her passion for service, “From a young age, we were taught to immerse ourselves in the community and actively participate in countless outreach programs, One Billion Rising, and noise barrages that address relevant social issues affecting the country. They constantly remind us that beyond academic excellence, their goal is for us to become ‘agents of transformation.’ At school, our classroom is not confined within the four walls of the campus but extends to the Philippine society itself where we are called to make a difference.” she details.
Extending the values
As some schools now welcome male students, the question arises: how do graduates of all-girls schools feel about the change this may bring?
Naturally, not everyone is the most supportive of this decision; Sophia and Martha believe that although there are good things this change may bring, it also defeats the purpose of having an institution and a sanctuary dedicated solely for women in their growing years.
Others are doubtful yet not entirely against the idea; Tanya airs out how this can affect the dynamic and the overall experience of being in an exclusive school for women, “While I am not fully opposed to the idea of schools transitioning to co-ed, I do feel like the experience of an all-girls school, where girlhood is highlighted and void of patriarchal beliefs because of its woman-centered environment, will be lost. I feel that many girls would be blessed to share many friendships and memories in an environment like this.” she explains.
Ysabelle shared that upon hearing that her former school would accept male students for a few grade levels, she initially felt sad, “At first, I felt sad about it because I knew it would eventually change the campus dynamic, even if it may happen gradually.” Nevertheless, she believes this can bring a positive change, “But of course, I’m not entirely closed off to the idea. In some ways, slowly transitioning to a co-ed system could help the institution reach a wider audience and extend the values it aims to instill and uphold. However, beyond the discussion of our school becoming co-ed, I believe the bigger issue lies in the lack of safe spaces for women in society as a whole.” she adds.
While the transition to co-ed schools may initially be difficult because letting go of a safe haven is never an easy adjustment, it is a reminder that times are changing. As society becomes more inclusive, this change poses an opportunity for the school to share its ideals with the opposite sex. The fact that these schools are now opening their doors to boys does not take away nor diminish the values these institutions have instilled in their long history of enriching the minds and the hearts of female students. In fact, it can provide an environment where young boys can also embrace and live out the values of empowerment, equality, and breaking stereotypes, all while leaning into a predominantly female world.
