Letter to the Young Women of Malolos

On February 22, 1889, Jose Rizal wrote a letter to the young women of Malolos, offering them words of encouragement and wisdom about freedom, patriotism, and the importance of education.

In 1888, a group of twenty young women petitioned local authorities for the right to education and to learn the Spanish language. At the time, women were denied access to higher education and discouraged from participating in political and intellectual discussions.

This movement deeply impressed Jose Rizal, a known advocate for education. He believed education was essential for personal and national progress, viewing it as a tool for Filipinos to fight for their rights and freedom against Spanish colonial rule. This event led Rizal to reconsider his initial views on Filipino women, filling him with joy and relief.

This groundbreaking event sparked national attention and even reached Spain, as it was unprecedented for women in the Philippines to advocate for themselves. Marcelo H. Del Pilar, upon hearing the news, encouraged Jose Rizal to write a letter to the women of Malolos.

Despite opposition from the Spanish parish priest, Father Felipe Garcia, the women courageously persisted. They personally confronted the Governor-General during his visit to the Malolos Municipal Hall in Bulacan, ultimately gaining approval with the conditions that Senorita Guadalupe Reyes would be their teacher and classes would be held during the day instead of at night.

Dr. José Rizal wrote an article titled “Letter to the Young Women of Malolos” in 1889. It was a reaction to the brave young ladies of Malolos, Bulacan, who petitioned to start an educational night school in defiance of the Spanish friars' opposition. In his letter, Rizal commends their courage, exhorts them to continue their education, and highlights the importance of mothers in fostering a just society as well as women's rights and empowerment. The letter is an exhortation to Filipino women to be independent, powerful, and intelligent.

A strong plea for women's education, empowerment, and resistance against injustice can be found in Rizal's letter. He thought that a better Philippines free from colonial domination would result from strong, educated women.