“A woman leader inspires both men and women to become better human beings, keeping in mind that when a woman leader deals with people, she does so without gender bias and prejudice.”
As more and more Filipinos head towards the UAE and around the world looking to build their own careers, statistics have shown that majority of them are Filipino women – aiming to provide a better future for the families that they have left back home.
The latest report of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) state that Filipino women comprise of 53.7% or 1.26 million of the total number of OFWs around the world, higher than males (46.3% or 1.08 million). The report from the PSA’s survey conducted between April and September 2017 adds that almost a million of these OFWs reside in the UAE.
Addressing challenges
Know your value
Path to self-improvement
As years pass by, Filipina women continue to hone their skills and improve at their profession as they muster the courage to seek pay raise, or even better opportunities elsewhere to become leaders who will propel their company and the country that they serve towards greater heights, thereby raising the Philippine flag across oceans and borders.
Quintana said that within women reside spirits of a resilient fighters who are ready to face challenges head on while appreciating the inner beauty that resides within everyone. “Women are also warriors like men. Most of the time, we think that it’s only the men who are warriors. Women are warriors for a different purpose – and that is to unveil the beauty of the things that are supposed to be there, created by God. We want to unveil that beauty,”
Cortes, for her part, hopes that Filipina leaders around the world will be great role models for the next generation to emulate:“I hope Filipino women leaders continue to be confident of themselves, unafraid to share their talents and skills and expertise to the global community and convinced that whatever it is that they wish to achieve in this world is not cordoned off by race, religion, nationality, ethnicity, or language.”
Compassion and cooperation
Fangco said that for Filipina women to rise up to the challenge, they should band together and show to the world what they’re capable of. “My message to Filipinas, especially overseas Filipinas – help each other, pull each other up. When women help each other and stand together for the cause of women, change happens,” said Fangco.
Alvero adds that women should also be firm to balance out their firmness when making big decisions while never forgetting their heart for compassion: “Have the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. Empower others with the equality of your actions and the integrity of your intent.”
Negrillo furthers that Filipino women should acknowledge that they’re not alone as many fellow emerging Filipina leaders are now being recognized on a global scale. “I’m very proud of every single one of them. I could imagine that it was tough, and they all bravely stood up and survived the challenges. My only wish is for all of us to be united and continue building a pipeline of Filipina leaders globally. We must always lean in to one another and keep inspiring and motivating the future generations. In addition, you should not get stuck craving for social status and industry approval, these are fleeting. Do things that matter. Aim to be ‘significant’ and not just successful,” said Negrillo.
Young Filipinas should shine
Villanueva advises young Filipinas to set their objectives in life towards that workable goal that they’re aiming to reach. “Create a goal with objectives to guide you in your career path. Remain steadfast. Success is not an accident, it’s a product of hard work and determination,” shares Villanueva.
Parroco also reminds the youth that their success should never be at the cost of those who matter to them the most. “Trust yourself and make your own path. Remember that success is subjective. Do not forget that success does not always mean happiness. Your success should not take the better of you, your family and relationships — those and they who make life more meaningful,” said Parroco.
The International Day for Women is celebrated annually every March 8 and has occurred for over a century, with the first celebrations dating back in 1911. The day itself is a platform to put women’s achievements in various fields on the pedestal to highlight the impact that they’re making for the society and fields that they serve.
