Glenda Oris (Ateneo de Manila University), author of the children’s book Ako ay May Kiki, talks about the background of her work and its relevance to feminist philosophy for children. Meanwhile, Pamela Joy (PJ) Mariano-Capistrano (Ateneo de Manila University/Université de Namur) serves as a reactor, along with her daughter Likha.
About the speakers:
Glenda "Bong" C. Oris is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Filipino, School of Humanities of Ateneo de Manila University, where she also completed her BS Computer Science and MA Philosophy degrees. She is an author and translator of books for children, as well as a museum enthusiast. She has ten published books for children.
Her first book, Looking Out for Heroes, features the sculptures of Filipino artist Jose Mendoza, with an emphasis on pride of place and making sense of and appreciation of art. Kuwento ng Isang Mambabasa/A Reader's Story is a part of a series on real child heroes and it features a voracious reader, despite poverty and disability. Whuush! features the Mount Makiling Forest Reserve and underscores respect for nature and conservation of biodiversity. Ang Madyik ni Paolo/Paolo’s Magic highlights the power of creativity and imagination in overcoming obstacles. Ang Madyik ni Paolo won Second Prize (Maikling Kuwentong Pambata category) in the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature in 2001. The Ayun, O! series is composed of five look-and-find books for preschoolers that depict everyday experiences and objects with their appropriate names written in various languages in the Philippines. Lastly, Ako ay May Kiki/I Have a Vagina promotes perineal hygiene, children’s safety and autonomy, and prevention of sexual abuse of children. The book was awarded a National Children’s Book Award, Best Reads for 2020-2021. It also has a trilingual edition (Italian-Filipino-English), Ho Una Vagina, published by the Philippine Consulate General in Milan, Italy.
PJ Mariano-Capistrano is, in no particular order: a PhD candidate at the Université de Namur, mother, wife and instructor of philosophy at Ateneo de Manila University. Her research interests include structural injustice, the capability approach, and feminist critical social theory. She will probably be overshadowed by her brilliant daughter someday.
Likha is the aforementioned brilliant daughter. She is in third grade and her current interests include: gymnastics, playing the video games Roblox and Cookie Run Kingdom, and making art.
Feminist Philosophy for Children: A Dialogue with Glenda "Bong" Oris