THE 2014 Global Gender Gap Report by the World Economic Forum (WEF) named the Philippines the best in Asia in terms of women’s rights in education, health, economic participation and political empowerment. It ranked the Philippines as the ninth most gender-equal economy among 142 countries.
Still, there is much work to be done as gender gaps remain in various sectors, including in business. We at the Women’s Business Council of the Philippines (WomenBizPH) are cognizant of this fact, and so we continue to create and identify platforms that will allow more stakeholders to discuss and analyze issues affecting women in business.
A step to closing gender gaps
WomenBizPH was given the privilege of being designated as lead private-sector organization for the Philippines’s hosting of the Apec Women and the Economy Fora 2015 (Apec WEF 2015). Together with the Department of Trade and Industry as chair, under the leadership of undersecretary Nora K. Terrado, and the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), headed by its Executive Director Emmeline L. Verzosa, WomenBizPH reached out to stakeholders to provide Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) delegates and guests opportunities to exchange views and insights on empowerment of women-led micro-, small-and medium-sized enterprises and trade integration.
After months of preparations, on September 17, we saw over 800 delegates from 19 Apec member- economies converge at the Public-Private Dialogue on Women and Economy (PPDWE), one of the three components of Apec WEF 2015. The theme of Apec WEF 2015 was “Women as Prime Movers of Inclusive Growth.”
During the PPDWE, we listened to and learned from the experiences shared and the wisdom shown by PPDWE’s esteemed resource persons. Our keynote speaker was President Aquino, a champion world leader of the “HeForShe” campaign, a solidarity campaign for gender equality of UN Women.
Technology and women empowerment
AT the forum, we discussed creative “disruptions” resulting from technological advancements. Panelists and guests recognized how these disruptions have changed the way we do business, connect with others, innovate, and build networks and relations. We noted how these create opportunities for women’s increased economic participation.
Thanks to technology, more women can now access international markets through e-commerce. Mothers are able to work from home because of virtual office setups and online communication tools. It is also easier for women to build their start-up businesses, because technology helps substantially reduce their capital requirement.
The PPDWE recommended the establishment of information and communications technology infrastructure that will connect more businesswomen to customers and markets, value chain support, mentoring and networking initiatives, as well as e-commerce programs. The region was encouraged to create an Apec-wide digital-exchange platform for women-owned enterprises and women suppliers.
The Millennial women
One of the more interesting sessions at the PPDWE featured young woman-entrepreneurs who shared how they became “change agents” in their respective fields. We heard the compelling stories of Kathy, a serial entrepreneur in China; Anna, an investment expert in Russia; Maria, an advocate and PCW board member; and Victoria, a Canadian social entrepreneur. From them, we saw the youth’s talent, energy, leader-ship and idealism.
We also heard the story of Marita Cheng, the genius behind a robotics company in Australia, which is now developing mobile phone-controlled robotic arms. These robots could help people with limited upper mobility in their daily tasks. Many were impressed by her IQ but were also equally inspired by her passion to encourage more women to join the fields of science and engineering.
Invest in education and the youth
Various recommendations at the PPDWE pertained to investing in the next generation of women. Speakers talked about strengthening young women’s capability in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. They called for a retooling of today’s education system given the rising demand for talents in the fields of information technology, research and innovation.
Many speakers also cited the importance of identifying role models who can serve as inspiration for young women in pursuing their goals and objectives. They called for continuous mentorship and training programs on various areas of entrepreneurship and development.
The “bottom of the pyramid” and inclusive growth
Apec recognizes women as prime movers of inclusive growth. At the forum, parallel to recommendations to increase women’s voice and leadership in companies and organizations, we also heard calls for increased empowerment of those who are at the bottom of the pyramid.
One of the speakers said the best solutions to poverty are not found in the boardroom, but can be found in the minds of the people themselves. Speakers proposed increasing consultations with low-income women in order to discover more effective ways of economically empowering them.
Another recommendation is to support more inclusive businesses, particularly those with women empowerment in their business strategy. Support can be in the form of providing direct capital to inclusive businesses and social enterprises that are women-owned or women-led, and offering products and services benefiting women and girls.
High optimism
WomenBizPH presented the results of the PPDWE at the High-Level Policy Dialogue on Women and the Economy held on September 18. Through efforts at the Apec level, we look forward to seeing positive developments in closing gender gaps not only in the Philippines but also in Asia Pacific. Given the momentum gained from Apec WEF 2015, WomenBizPh, as an advocacy group, will pursue projects and activities to support the implementation of the recommendations resulting from PPDWE.
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Ma. Aurora “ Boots” Geotina-Garcia is chairman of Women’s Business Council Phils. Inc. and president of Mageo Consulting Inc. She is chairman of the Management Association of the Philippines Programs Committee.