The myth of the ‘soft woman’

Just as capable: A 2019 file photo of Robredo. She has thrown her hat in the ring for the Philippines’ presidential race and is the country’s most powerful Opposition figure – but she has to battle the perception that women are too ‘soft’ to lead a country. — ANN

A FEW days before Christmas, I was on the road, courtesy of a ride-hailing app. My driver struck up a conversation that turned eventually to who we’d vote for in 2022 in the upcoming Philippine presidential election. I said I’d vote for [Vice President] Leni Robredo [the Philippines’ most powerful Opposition figure]. He agreed, but with a long, slow drawl that sounded uneasy.

“I want to vote for her,” he said in Filipino, “But she’s a woman.”