Task 1

A statistical data of employment rates for men and women in 1995 and 2005 is shown in the graph. The
data was gathered in six countries namely: Australia, Switzerland, Iceland, United Kingdom, New
Zealand and the USA.

It can be observed at first glance that for the interval of two decades, employment rates for men have
been consistently higher than women. Ranging from 57% to 70% in 1995 and increased to 80% in 2005.
Of the six countries mentioned, employment rates for men is highest in Iceland. With males controlling
the workforce for 70% of the population in 1995 and 80% in 2005.

Although data stats show that men still overshadow women in the workforce, the increase in the
percentage of females in the working community from 1995 to 2005 is promising. From 1995 where
females comprise to a range of only 27% to 50% of the workforce, now it increased close to 70% in 2005.
This great increase happened in Switzerland. We can hope for a better gender equality in the workforce
for the next periods if these trends continue.

Task 2

Traditional or religious festivals have been organized way back as human civilization go either to
commemorate a significant event in history or to glorify a holy or religious figure in the community. It is
the society’s way to express or demonstrate its beliefs. However, these reasons have been
overshadowed by people’s need to feel happy and excited. This can be in part caused by the media.
Festivities became the avenue of businesses to promote their products and services.

I can take as an example one of the religious festivals here in the Philippines, the feast of Santo Niño or
the Child Jesus. For over a hundred decades, this festival was organized to glorify the child Jesus and
remember the first encounter of Filipino tribes to the wooden sculpted image of Jesus brought by the
Spaniards in 1500’s. The feast was supposed to remind us Filipinos the holiness of the child Jesus and his
compassion to the world and re-affirm our beliefs as a widely Catholic nation. Instead, the feast is
headlined for its Sinulog Festival where events such as street dancing, local bands and artists concerts
and selling of native products have been the highlights of the feast. Though devotees are still following
the annual street procession, floats of the different images of the child Jesus were added to attract the
youth and tourists. The purpose of the feast is not anymore emphasized. Only the adults that have
known the essence of the tradition stays true to their faith.

As a country with over a hundred festivals celebrated every year, it is upsetting that these festivals are
not revered, and its purpose is known to only a few.