Career women admit they often struggle to maintain work-life balance, juggling both professional work and personal responsibilities in the family.

Analyn Conocono, 25, a regular employee of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board in Cebu City, told DAILY TRIBUNE that modern women are faced with psychological challenges brought by societal expectations. 

“The most common is living with the traditional gender roles that women should take the caregiving responsibilities in the family and only men should be in the workfield,” Conocono said.

Do you feel equally treated with men by society or do you want more upscaled treatment as a woman? She said: “In the government setting, we adhere to integrating the Gender and Development (GAD) Plan in the regular activities of the agencies, allocating at least 5 percent of the agency’s total budget appropriations, as provided under Section 36(a) of the Magna Carta on Women. Because of the continuous efforts in championing GAD literacy, it’s safe for me now to say, we’re making initiatives to address gender biases.”

The question of whether women desire ‘upscaled treatment’ is complex. The core issue is not about preferential treatment, but about achieving genuine equality.

“Women do not seek to be treated better than men, but rather to be treated equally. This means having equal opportunities in education, employment, and leadership; equal pay for equal work; and equal protection under the law,” Conocono said.

The pursuit of equality is not about demanding special privileges, but about dismantling systemic barriers that prevent women from reaching their full potential. Any perceived desire for “upscaled treatment” often stems from a need to redress historical and ongoing injustices that have disadvantaged women for centuries, she added.

So, what makes a woman truly happy?

“Simple pleasures in life, not the material things but it’s more of having surrounded with people who appreciate, value, respect and celebrate with you as a woman,” Conocono said.

She yearns though for a legislation institutionalizing inclusive education and gender studies in the curriculum at all levels. 

“This Women’s Month, I wish for women empowerment, which is the bedrock of development. Gender issues have long posed a challenge, yet these are battles we can win. If we empower every woman in society regardless of their social status or societal norms, I’m confident that we will live in a world with equality and peace where everyone has safe spaces to truly express who they are and what they can contribute to building a more just and inclusive society,” she added.

While societal pressures often dictate what constitutes happiness for women, the reality is far more nuanced.  Research suggests that factors contributing to women’s happiness often overlap with those for men, including strong relationships, meaningful work and a sense of purpose.

Ultimately, happiness for women, as for men, is a deeply personal and subjective experience, shaped by individual circumstances and aspirations.