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.

286 INDEPENDENCE CONGRESS PROCEEDINGS

face our country's needs and do our best to remedy them. It
may be true that women's place is in the home, but the home
does not have to absorb all her attention. All over the world
the woman is coming into her own. We must recognize this
fact. We can and we must stand by our men and face the
problems with them, and we can do this without neglecting
the home and without losing one particle of our own womanliness.
The men have given us the opportunity to work with them.
We are to have an equal share with them, and hence we have
an equal responsibility. Let us face the problems squarely.
Never before have we been invited to discuss these problems
on an equal basis with the men. Let us take advantage of
this opportunity to show them that we are capable and willing
to do olr part. Let them not be disappointed in the confidence
they have placed in us. In life, woman is man's partner,
sharing with him the joys and sorrows, helping him to solve
life's problems. Why can she not also take part in shaping
the destiny of the nation? Women of other countries have
done it, and are doing it. If St. Joan of Arc had been afraid
of criticism, if she had not led the French army, what would
have been the result? Let us follow her example. She saw
where the path of duty lay and she followed it. She was
burned at the stake, it is true; but today France honors St.
Joan of Arc, France loves "La Pucelle d'Orleans" who stood
firm in her convictions and gave up her life for them. Let us
be like her in her love of her country and her strength of
character. Let us love the Philippines as she loved France, and
though we may never be called upon to die for our country,
let us be ready to make the sacrifices that alone can build up
a nation capable of governing itself.
Our work must not consist in mere idle talk. We are attending this Congress in order to discuss the best means by
which we may cooperate with our men in their struggle for
independence. Those of us who can offer some suggestions
should do so without hesitancy. We must take advantage of
this opportunity, and we must have something definite, something concrete as a result of' today's discussion.