July 15, 2021
Women’s Business Council Philippines in partnership with UN Women Philippines , Philippine Commission on Women and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) kicked off I AM WOMAN Womenar Learning Series with I AM EMPOWERED : Magna Carta & Gender Fundamentals last July 15, 2021.
Discussions centred on “the Magna Carta of Women and Gender Fundamentals,” providing insights from gender experts, including Ms. Natsy Verseles, the Director of UP Gender Women and Studies and Atty. Twyla Rubin, OIC for Gender Equality and Human Rights of Commission on Human Rights with WomenBiz Chair Monette Iturralde-Hamlin, WomenBiz President Mylene Abiva and WeEmpowerAsia Philippines Programme Manager Rosalyn Mesina, in the first panel. They highlighted that gender equality is not only a women’s issue, but everyone’s issue due to the intersectionality of identities we all share and interconnectedness of societies.
Speakers at the second panel included Marivic Españo of P&A Grant Thornton, Cherrie Atilano of AGREA and Grace Zata of IRC, moderated by Ms. Chiqui Escareal Go of Mansmith & Fielders. They touched upon the concepts of women’s empowerment in the Philippines and reflected on what makes women truly empowered, not just women in business but most especially the ones in the marginalized sector.
As parting statements or advice for both men and women, Marivic Espano shared her perspective in terms of leadership that it is important to not be afraid of risks and learn how to manage them. She encouraged young people to be more courageous instead of cautious. Ms. Grace Zata, on the other hand, said, “We must be aware of our lenses, our stereotypes, and biases. Let’s not speak on absolutes. Let’s look at areas where women’s empowerment is needed. Let’s remember that what is good for women is also good for men. We’re not enemies.”
