Dr. Maricris Acido-Muega has spent decades in academia, shaping minds and challenging norms in the fields of philosophy and education. A professor at the University of the Philippines (UP), she has been an advocate for inclusivity and gender representation in academic spaces.
In an exclusive Simpol.ph interview, Acido-Muega admitted that education and teaching were not her initial career plans. She had intended to pursue law and chose philosophy as an undergraduate degree to prepare for it.
Dr. Acido-Muega shares insights on her journey into academia, the evolving role of women in philosophy and education, and the challenges of gender bias in traditionally male-dominated fields.
However, her passion for intellectual discussions grew as she spent more time in academic environments, attending symposia and engaging with philosophical texts. This ultimately led her to shift her focus from law to higher education, eventually earning her master’s and doctoral degrees.
She also reflected on how the strong women in her community, especially those involved in education and development, played a role in shaping her career decisions. Coming from a family with a background in teaching, she believes these early influences subtly guided her toward academia.
Acido-Muega highlighted how philosophy has historically been male-dominated, particularly in Western traditions, where few women’s contributions are recognized. However, she pointed out that women have long played an essential role in education, and in recent years, more women have taken on leadership roles in the philosophy of education.
She emphasized that women bring a distinct, constructive approach to philosophical discourse. Instead of focusing on dominance and authority, they often contribute through patience, thoughtful engagement, and the ability to sustain meaningful discussions. Their perspectives, particularly on growth and development, make their presence in academic philosophy essential.
Despite progress, gender biases still persist in academia, particularly in fields like philosophy. Acido-Muega referenced research by Indonesian professor Ferry Hidayat, which explores how women have historically been perceived as secondary to men in intellectual pursuits.
She noted that academic literature has long favored male thinkers, reinforcing the notion that analytical and logical skills are primarily associated with men, while women are more often linked to soft skills such as empathy and caregiving.
Challenging these outdated perceptions, she emphasized that intellectual capability is not determined by gender. Critical thinking and philosophical inquiry are skills that anyone can develop, and it is important to break down the barriers that have traditionally excluded women from these fields.
Acido-Muega stressed that academic institutions play a vital role in addressing gender disparities. She pointed out that many universities, including UP, have implemented gender programs and policies aimed at fostering inclusivity. Additionally, the Department of Education has introduced guidelines to ensure schools create environments that support gender equality.
Through her work in curriculum development and training programs, she has actively contributed to making academic spaces more inclusive. She believes that lasting change must come from within institutions, particularly through policy reforms that promote gender equity at all levels of education.
According to Acido-Muega, values education is key to dismantling gender stereotypes. She explained that the way individuals perceive the world and prioritize certain ideals is shaped by the values they are taught. If schools and communities emphasize openness, inclusivity, and respect for diversity, these principles will naturally be reflected in society.
She also highlighted that values education is not confined to formal schooling. Families, communities, and institutions all play a role in reinforcing these ideals, making it essential to critically examine the values being passed down to future generations.
For young women aspiring to leadership roles in academia, Acido-Muega underscored the importance of taking on these positions. She explained that leadership in education is not just about administration but also about driving transformation and innovation. Women bring unique strengths to leadership, particularly in fostering growth and development.
She also emphasized the need for women to support one another in professional spaces. Through working together and challenging traditional power structures, women can ensure that leadership is not just about holding positions but about making meaningful contributions to education.
Acido-Muega encouraged young women to pursue careers in philosophy and education. She highlighted that women have a natural inclination toward nurturing growth and sustaining knowledge, qualities that align closely with the roles of educators and philosophers.
She concluded with a reminder that women have a rightful place in academic and intellectual spaces. More importantly, she urged them to make their presence meaningful, not only for themselves but for the generations of women who will follow in their footsteps.
