Contents Foreword i Historical roots and evolution of the feminist movement 1 The Bayan and the Babaylan: Women in Pre-Colonial Philippines 1 Chains of Chastity: The Colonization of Women's Body in Hispanic Philippines 1 Sisters in Arms: Revolutionaries, suffragists and guerillas 1 Women Comrades: Resisting A Dictator and Persisting with the Struggle 3 Contemporary Period: From the Ramos Presidency(June 1992) to the Present 8 Women's Political Participation 8 Women in trade unions and in the labour movement 10 Fighting for pro-women legislation 11 Reflections and Continuing Challenges 19 List of Abbreviations 21 References 23 Authors Profile 27