Proceedings of the first Independence congress : held in the city of Manila, Philippine islands, February 22-26, 1930 / Published under the direction of Dean maximo M. Kalaw, executive secretary, University of the Philippines.

WOMEN'S SECTION

The Women's Section of the First Independence
Congress held its session at 9:30 A. M., on February
26, 1930, with Mrs. Sofia R. de Veyra as Chairman.
Mrs. de Veyra in her opening remarks, said that the
struggle for liberty, the Filipino woman is given equal
opportunity with the men, as evidenced in their participation in the First Independence Congress, to serve
the cause of their country. She later on delivered the
following address:
ADDRESS OF MRS. SOFIA R. DE VEYRA,
PRESIDENT, FEDERATION OF WOMEN'S CLUBS
MEMBERS OF THE INDEPENDENCE CONGRESS
AND COUNTRYMEN:
The traditional gallantry of the Filipino has been once more
in evidence when they gave us, women, the same privileges as
they have in this First Independence Congress. Speaking for
myself, I confess to you that I was caught unaware of the honor
which is mine this morning, to preside the Women's Section.
So, we women should welcome the opportunity presented to
us today to take an active part in this Independence Congress.
More and more each year, the woman is being recognized as
an important factor in world affairs and it is gratifying to
note that the organizers of this Congress have not excluded the
woman, but have rather given her an equal place and an equal
opportunity to do her bit for her country's cause. We will
not be called upon to lead an army, as was St. Joan of Arc,
nor will we have to take a gunner's place, as did Molly Pitcher,
but we are called upon to stand side by side with our men to
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