TO FURTHER elevate the importance of women in all aspects of the society, the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (Rafi) has partnered with the Embassy of Canada to shine the spotlight on 10 Cebuanas who are leaders in their respective fields.
“In the Philippines, we have a lot to be proud of. According to the Global Gender Gap Report of 2020 by the World Economic Forum, the Philippines is a top country in Asia in terms of closing the gender gap,” Amaya Aboitiz-Fansler, Rafi president and chief executive officer, said.
The Global Gender Gap Report of 2020 by the World Economic Forum ranked 153 countries based on four major categories, namely economic participation and opportunity, educational attainment, health and survival and political empowerment.
The Philippines ranks first in Asia and 16th globally.
Fansler said in Rafi, women are instrumental in leading organizations, programs and teams to achieve the foundation’s missions. Rafi also supports women, especially in their livelihoods and other entrepreneurial pursuits.
On Wednesday, March 24, 2021, Rafi embarked on a two-hour learning and mentorship event for young Cebuanas dubbed “WomEnPower.”
The event allowed young women the chance to meet and interact with outstanding Cebuana industry leaders from the fields of public service, media and the arts, business and entrepreneurship, science and technology, civil society and social development, and sports and health through breakout sessions.
Rafi said the goal of the online learning event is to start the conversation on how women can better promote and increase Filipina labor force participation and representation, particularly in non-traditional fields and industries, through conversations between industry and youth leaders.
Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines Peter MacArthur said its government fully supports gender equality.
“It’s a human rights issue and essential to achieving prosperity. It is really important for sustainable development and social justice, peace and security which are all interconnected,” he said.
The 10 Cebuana leaders featured during the virtual talk were lawyer Lesley Cordero, senior disaster risk management specialist of the World Bank Group (East Asia and the Pacific) Philippines; Bianca Balbuena, chief executive officer of Epicmedia Productions Inc.; Eileen Mangubat, independent editor; Raquel Choa, owner of The Chocolate Chamber; Dr. Camila Flor Yagonia-Lobarbio, professor at the University of San Carlos for (enzyme engineering and biomolecular processes); chef Jade Saducas, owner of the Chef Jade Kitchen; Mary Joy Tabal, national athlete; Dominica Chua, former president of Rafi; Anya Lim, co-founder and managing director of Anthill Fabric Gallery; and Cherry Rondina, professional volleyball player. (JOB)