Tandang Sora Women’s Museum unveiled

Tandang Sora Women’s Museum unveiled | Daily Tribune

The local government of Quezon City has officially opened the country’s first women’s museum, the Tandang Sora Women’s Museum, paying tribute to the countless women who have shaped the nation through courage, resilience and leadership.

Located beside the Tandang Sora National Shrine, the museum is a fitting homage to Melchora Aquino, the revered Mother of the Philippine Revolution, whose unwavering patriotism and service paved the way for generations of women to fight for their rights and contribute to nation-building.

Speaking at the inauguration, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte stressed the museum’s significance in preserving and amplifying the role of women in Philippine history.

“This museum is more than just a collection of artifacts — it is a testament to the strength, struggles, and triumphs of Filipino women throughout history,” Belmonte said.

“Through its exhibits, we hope to inspire the next generation to continue advocating for equality, justice, and progress,” she added.

The two-story, bahay na bato-inspired structure, a traditional Filipino house with stone and wood features, was made possible through funding from the Office of Senator Risa Hontiveros, who also served as the keynote speaker during the opening ceremony.

Its design and renovation were led by ARC LICO, a research and design studio headed by Architect Gerard Lico, known for his work in restoring heritage sites such as the Museo ng Makati and Museo ni Pio Valenzuela.

Hontiveros, a longtime advocate for women’s rights, lauded the project as a symbol of progress in the fight for gender equality.

“This museum is not just about remembering history — it’s about empowering women today and in the future,” said the lawmaker. “We honor the legacies of those who came before us, and we pave the way for those who will come after.”

The Tandang Sora Women’s Museum offers visitors a rich and interactive journey through “HERstory” — a term used to highlight women’s contributions to history — with exhibits spanning from pre-colonial times to contemporary movements.

The ground floor features a creativity corner (“Isip at Gawa”), an audio-visual section, and an exhibit space that will host rotating displays highlighting women’s contributions to art, culture, and advocacy.

The second floor houses the “HERstorical Philippine Timeline,” which chronicles the role of women in faith, leadership, peace-building, and revolution. This section provides a detailed account of the Babaylan as spiritual leaders, the rise of women-led labor unions, and the evolution of female participation in politics, arts, science and media.

A dedicated gallery, “Women in Action,” showcases progressive materials and memorabilia from various feminist movements, highlighting the resilience and activism of women’s organizations that have shaped the country’s socio-political landscape.

The museum’s curator, Sandra Torrijos, a renowned artist, educator, and feminist, ensured that the space does more than just tell stories — it provides a platform for engagement, learning, and advocacy. Torrijos has been a key figure in women’s movements since 1984 and continues to champion the cause through her work in art and education.

This museum is considered a milestone in Philippine history. Quezon City has ensured that the Tandang Sora Women’s Museum is accessible to all, with facilities that prioritize inclusivity, including wheelchair-accessible ramps, an elevator to accommodate persons with disabilities, and a lactation room for nursing mothers.