When Spain lost the Spanish–American War in 1898, the Philippines was ceded to

the United States of America. The U.S.A. introduced a new public education
system which retained opportunity to every child regardless of gender.

The system of public education introduced to the country by American

colonialism has substantially increased their level of literacy and gave daughters
of countless poor families the opportunity to break away from traditional gender-
related roles.

The level of female literacy increased, therefore, and more women gained access
to new types of works and careers.

At the turn of 19th century, numerous occupations became highly dependent on

the presence of women employees, especially in the manufacturing industries.
The entry of women into the factory system showcased their industrious prowess
highlighting their qualities like adaptability, patience, and the resistance to
commit frauds, which were deemed advantageous.

Filipinas possessed great skills in weaving, using different kinds of fiber like abaca,
pineapple, silk, and cotton, to make a variety of cloths. They also excelled in
making hats, cigar cases, mats, baskets, slippers, purses, umbrellas, seat covers,
etc.

First thought of as a hobby, weaving eventually turned into a profitable business

as they were able to earn money from selling their products in public markets.
Embroidery, usually a task done by women, became one of the chief exports of
the Philippines during the American colonization era. In 1921, the exportation of
embroideries amounted to at least Php 15,000,000 and in 1919, exports of hats
amounted to Php 1,490,020.[4] The sheer number of export goods made by
Filipinas proved the importance of their role in the economic development of the
country. Moreover, it was observed by the Americans that Filipinas showed signs
of independence because of their urge to improve the economic status of their
families.

American colonial education system provided Filipino women, particularly those

of middle-class background, the necessary skills, ability, and confidence to fight
for legal and political adulthood and assume responsible roles in public life.

Another key struggle that resulted from the onslaught of American colonial
education system was the women’s fight for suffrage.

On April 30, 1937, the right of suffrage was finally extended to Filipino women.

The general elections held on Dec. 14, 1937 became the first balloting in the
country in which Filipino women were allowed to vote and run for public office.
Subsequent elections saw many Filipino women winning in various local positions
across the nation.
In December 1941, Japanese military forces landed on the island of Luzon in the
Philippines, a US territory. Manila quickly surrendered, and a military government
was installed on 3 January 1942.

Filipinos mounted a vigorous guerrilla offensive and organized a resistance

movement to oppose Japanese military rule. The Japanese forces waged a cruel
campaign in an attempt to suppress the guerrilla opposition.

According to victims' testimonies, a number of women were raped and abducted

through violent means to garrison buildings, then confined there and forced to
provide sexual services. Such victims can be thought of as equivalent to comfort
women. In many of these cases, their fathers or husbands were killed in front of
the women and their other family members.