YES, women comprise about 50 percent of every statistic—including voters. But what programs do candidates have for women? Besides having passed the Magna Carta for Women years ago, what laws have been passed about procurement from women-owned businesses, for example? What about recognizing some women’s inability to get full-time jobs because of home duties?
Not to be partisan about it, but we need to know what all candidates have in their platforms for women and girls. There are the usual motherhood statements of solving poverty and climate change. But how about solutions for empowering more women to access public health, education and simple solutions, like giving jobs to mothers who can only work part time?
Very often, candidates look for church support, because one sect or religion can have millions of followers. Another party may look at Boy Scouts and their families. Yet, another may look at indigenous peoples and other cultural groups and get their votes. But has anyone talked about getting women’s votes?
Women also influence 80 percent of purchase decisions. This is one fact many marketers miss. Including cars and hotel choices, it’s the women who vote for choice of car and lodging. No wonder smart car designers now hire women for their engineering jobs, so women’s issues can be addressed and make their car models more gender-sensitive—or women-friendly, at least.
I am apolitical and have always been. But I want to hear what the candidates have to say so my vote will not be wasted on popularity or influence of the media. What Women’s Business Council of the Philippines, Business and Professional Women and Ten Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service did was to gather a handful of female senatoriables and a female vice-presidential candidate so we could hear them speak about their platforms and programs. For the first forum, called “Women Rising,” happening on November 25, we will invite woman candidates; in the next forum, we will invite male candidates. It would be interesting to compare and contrast their views.
Do not get us wrong. We are not feminists nor activists for shallow reasons of just putting women up there where they will matter. We want, rather, to educate voters on what these women have to say. It is not just about diversity. It is about talent and leadership and integrity.
It should be an interesting discussion, and these women who agreed to take part are made of good stuff. There were some who refused for one reason or another. Or gave an excuse not to come. Maybe they are not ready to get the 50 percent of voters yet.
But if you are a candidate, think about it. Women do comprise 50 percent of the voting population. And if women talk about you and include you in their lineup, she will tell one and all. Use the power of women in talking and sharing vital information. And that may be a secret you would want to know about.
For my fellow woman voters, let’s think about who can make a difference in our lives. As women, and as Filipinos. It’s about time we said something, and the best way is to show them how women vote. Shall we identify the candidates who care about us?
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Pacita “Chit” Juan is a governor of the Management Association of the Philippines, the president of Women’s Business Council of the Philippines and vice president of Business and Professional Women (Makati). She is an advocate of women empowerment through business. You can find her on LinkedIn: Pacita Juan and Twitter: @chitjuan or e-mail puj@echostore.ph.