Working Women of Manila in the 19th Century

Ang Kababaihang Manggagawa ng Maynila sa Siglo 19

Women have always been working, whether as mothers managing the household and providing care or out in the streets, fields, markets, and factories. Working women are everywhere, but their contributions are often unrecognized and undervalued, leading to unfavorable working conditions. This section highlights working women's struggle for job security, wages and benefits, and better working conditions. 

Cigarette Factory

Cigar and cigarette factory along Pasig River, Manila

Cigarreras: Filipino women first entered the factory system through the tobacco industry. The cigarreras (female cigar makers) were paid based on the number of cigars they rolled, earning two pesos per month. Despite rising tobacco prices, their pay remained the same. They also faced unfair regulations and penalties, with some even reporting verbal and physical violence. 

The Cigarreras went on strike to demand better treatment and working conditions. They demanded tobacco leaves ready for rolling, eliminating the unpaid tasks of stretching, cleaning, and cutting them. They also protested the verbal abuse by supervisors and underpayment.

Tobacco Packers

Filipino girls stripping leaves for cigar manufacture.

Tinderas

Tenderas in Manila, 1900-1910

Tenderas and vendadoras: In the 19th century, women dominated the markets as tenderas (shopkeepers) and vendadoras (vendors), selling fresh produce and various merchandise. 

Embroiderers

Women embroiderers

Costureras

The costureras in action. One sees the use of a sewing machine by the lady on the right.

Bordadoras and costureras: Bordadoras (embroiderers) and costureras (seamstresses) crafted exquisite dresses from jusi and piña for wealthy women. Despite the tedious nature of the work and the high value of their products, they were underpaid. 

Las Maestras: The demand for teachers increased after the 1863 Education Reform. To become a maestra, one had to complete teacher education or training, pass a qualifying exam, and undergo an oral examination. They played significant roles in educating women and girls during the colonial period. Compared to their male counterparts, the Maestras were underpaid. They were also under the significant powers of parish priests, and some of them even got sexually abused by the friars. During the 1896 revolution, some maestras supported the revolution and became informants and carriers.

References

• Camagay, M.L.T. (1995). Working Women of Manila in the 19th Century. University of the Philippines Press.