The woman was created as man’s partner in life, empowered to nurture her family with wisdom and worthwhile values.

The Zonta Club of Cebu 1, for instance, advocates the vision of Zonta International to develop the “empowered woman” with the wisdom, dynamism and leadership” to develop her community.

Aside from the Zontians, the other women leaders in Cebu have been active in their communities.

Based on my limited participation in the Cebu Jaycerettes; Lioness Club; Zonta Club of Cebu 1 and 2; Philippines Foundation and WeCare; Punla Foundation; Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko; Cenewof, the various organizations in the Academe (specifically the University of San Jose-Recoletos, University of San Carlos, Cebu Normal University, St. Theresa’s College); Speechcom International; Department of Tourism; American Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Cebu Executive Lioness; the media and the travel industry; and many other academic groups, I have “In My Diary,” a list of a few empowered women I have worked with, excluding those in the government services who are also part of many foundations, businesses and civic clubs.

The following are Dr. Zuga Yuvienco Sotto (+), Anita Sanchez, Amparo Rodil (+), Merle Cunanan, Stella Bernabe, Petite Garcia, Melanie Ng, Chabeng Garcia, Me’Anne Alcordo, Ria Espina, Tess Chan, Nonie Uy, Marissa Fernan, Dawnie Roa, Jessica Avila, Cinbeth Orellano, Elvira Luym, Dr. Julita Ortiz (+), Dr. Vivina Chiu, Jane Panganiban, Zenaida Uy, Dr. Concesa Baduel (+), Dr. Fe Necesario, Dr. Lourdes Quisumbing (+), Nellie Chiu, Beling Gochinghai (+), Britta Quisumbing (+), Nelia Navarro, Sister Merced (+), Alice Bathan, Armi Garcia, Matt Baguia, Rufina Tanchan, Lourdes Jereza, Erlinda Alburo, among others.

There is transfer of leadership, like in the case of the Zonta Clubs where they train young women leaders through organized Z Clubs. There are leadership immersions in the Academe and the Barangays.