Lighting the Way

Composed of 7,000-plus islands, the Philippines is populated by more than 75 million people, nearly 50 percent of which are women. And this month, Project Hannah's new Tagalog Women of Hope program, aired from three local stations, began lighting the way to Jesus Christ for these women.

"Light. That is what a woman is called in the Filipino home," says Ayan, the Tagalog producer. She adds that the Filipina (a female from the Philippines) is highly respected, and brings guidance and direction to her family and the community. Women receive equal privileges as men, and have the means to advance intellectually, economically, and socially.

Although they have more favorable rights than other Asian women might, these women are not without burden. Men relegate household duties to their wives, challenging employed women to build a career and manage home and family at the same time. In addition, recurring economic crisis and unemployment motivate many Filipinas to seek employment abroad as domestic helpers and caregivers. According to Ayan, this is one of the deepest concerns in the country, because these broken families experience devastating emotional, physical, and psychological turmoil.

Other situations contribute to the Filipina's need for hope. In some communities, women have fewer opportunities, and their value is relative to the social status of their husbands. Prostitution is on the rise, and with it, AIDS and other diseases are increasing. Sex traders take children as young as 6 years old and sell them in the cities.

"In spite of the difficulties and challenges they face, Filipino women still try to project the light that can shine from a woman," concludes Ayan. "However, they also need to know that the True Light, the true hope that can never be exhausted only comes from God, the One who created it all."

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