The essay entitled “To the Young Women of Malolos” written by Jose Rizal, where he addresses all

kinds of women-mothers, wives, unmarried, and expresses everything that he wishes them to keep in mind.
In his letter, he expresses great joy and satisfaction over the battle they had fought. In this portion of Rizal’s
letter, it is obvious that his ultimate desire was for women to be offered the same opportunities as those
receive by men in terms of education. The letter was originally written in Tagalog. Rizal penned thing
writing when he was in London on February 22,1889, in his response to the request of Marcel H. del pillar.

This paper uses feminism for it would be a great help in analyzing Rizal’s concept of womanhood and
because this theory views and values women’s status and works aiming to achieve equality for women. The
yellow roses symbolist a love, purity, and peace to the Women of Malolos. They also show that education is
important to each person and all Filipinos have a hidden talent and ability to raise the living.

The Filipino women was Rizal’s intended audience of the document. He emphasized to the audience
the responsibilities of Filipino Mothers to their children. Rizal also enumerated the qualities Filipino Mothers
have to possess: 1.) Be a noble wife. 2.) Rear her children in the service of the state-here Rizal gives
reference to the women of Sparta who embody his quality. 3.) Set standards of behavior for women around
her. Jose Rizal points out to unmarried women that they should not be easily taken by appearance and
looks, because these can be deceiving. Instead, they should take heed of Men’s firmness of character and
lofty ideas.

Written in Tagalog, Jose Rizal wrote his letter-upon the request of Marcelo H. del pillar-on February
17,1889 in London while annotating Morga’s book. The letter praises the Young Women of Malolos for their
perseverance to pursue the establishment of a “night school” where they can Governor-General Welyer for
the establishment of a “night school” to study Spanish under Teodoro Sandiko, a professor of latin.
However, Fr. Felipe Garcia, the Spanish parish priest, objected to the petition, prompting the governor-
general to dismiss the petition. Because for friars, it would be better off the leave the natives and mestizos
ignorant of the Spanish language so that their minds will not be penetrated by liberal ideas since most
books were written in Spanish. Gaining knowledge would make them crave for freedom and demand
human rights which were deemed a threat to Spanish rule and the power of the Church. Although their
proposal was rejected, Sandiko and Curate of the women of Malolos remained positive that their desire to
put up a night school would be approved anytime soon.

With the support of the reformist Doroteo Cortes and Maestra Guadalupe Reyes the women continued
to lobby for school. Luckily these young women triumphed in the end of February 1889 on the conditions
that women would Finance their schooling, the Teacher would be Guadalupe Reyes, and the classes held in
the daytime, not at night. Women proceeded to open their at the house of one of their group, Rufina T.
Reyes, first cousin of Elisea and Juana. But the school remained open for three months.

Jose Rizal wrote a letter to the young women of Malolos not only because M. H. del pillar personally
requested him to but because he might also need to express his appreciation and great pride in the abrupt
of heart of these Filipinas.

His ultimate desire was for woman to be offered the same opportunities as those received by men in terms
of education.

In his letter to the young women of Malolos, Jose Rizal pays homage to the 20 courageous women of the
town for their desire to educate themselves, truly, a liberating action at that time. Rizal sees in these woman
a ray of hope in restoring the Filipino woman’s dignity and worth, which are being denigrated at that time.

Rizal also wrote the document to emphasize the importance of Filipino. Mothers, as it is in their nurturing
hands where the children’s future lies-whether they be free or enslaved.
Rizal ends his letter exhorting the women to “open your children’s eyes so they may jealously guard their
honor, love their fellowmen and their native land and do their duty”.

Rizal advices the Filipino Women to use reason, to know what a good mother is, and how to become one.
He reiterates that a good mother teaches honor, honestly, love of fellowmen, and respect for God. He urges
them to ponder on his words and use reason to determine what is just from unjust.

During those days, young girls were not sent to school because of the universal notion that they would
soon only be taken as wives and stay at home with their children.

Gender inequality was present at that time. It goes to show that women were seen as people who are
incapable to do hard work.

As a woman, its fascinating to note that at that time, Rizal already places great value and high respect
in our country specially on their vital roles as mothers and wives. As a wife, she must support her husband
in every endeavor and problem he may be facing, inspire him, encourage him, love him and be always with
him through his ups and downs. He also believes that women should have equal right with men. He clearly
believes that “race” or even “gender” is not a limitation for every individual to prosper less. He also
mentioned in the letter that mothers should set as good role models to their children. Unfortunately, many
Mother’s today aren’t acting as mothers in a way they should be or ought to do. They failed to be good
examples to their children. In our country, the current crises pushed Mothers to also earn a living to
supplement their husband’s income. There is nothing wrong in working hard for the family’s welfare but she
should not be engrossed enough with her work what her role as a Mother is prejudiced.

Being the foundation of principle and values in ensuring the progress of the nation, a mother should
nourish her children with proper values, desired knowledge and shape them to become good.

“Men and women have roles-their roles are different, but their rights are equals”
-Harri Holkeri