Unleashing economic power of women
Boundaries that set women at the background had long been shattered. The notion that women is of the weaker sex had long been debunked in democratic economies.
Women are doubly working hard than men. The challenges of motherhood and as homemakers have not deterred women from becoming successful world leaders in economy and in politics.
While women continued to gain recognition and place under the sun in most countries, there are lots of women still devoid of and strafed of their dignity. Growth has not been inclusive to most women.
In this year’s APEC hosting, the Philippines seeks to incorporate women issues and how to bring women development and progress inclusive.
There are 865 million women in the world have the potential to contribute more fully to their economies.
This week, the Philippines will host various discussions on the role of women in the path to inclusive growth at the APEC Women and the Economy 2015 Fora (APEC WE 2015) which opens today until Friday.
The APEC WE 2015 Fora is a major event of the APEC Public Private Sector Dialogue on Women and Economy. With the theme “Women as Prime Movers of Inclusive Growth” to be supported by three sub-themes on Women and Inclusive Business, Women in the International Markets and Global Value Chains, and Women and Sustainable Development.
At least 800 delegates from all walks of life are expected to attend the three day event at the Philippine International Convention Center.
Distinguished panelists at the APEC WE 2015 include women leaders Doris Magsaysay-Ho, APEC Business Advisory Council Chair; Cathy Russell, U.S. Ambassador at-Large for Global Women's Issues; Paulyn Jean Ubial, Assistant Secretary, Department of Health, Philippines; Belén Garijo, CEO Merck Healthcare; and Nora Terrado, Chair, APEC Women & the Economy 2015 Fora and Undersecretary, Department of Trade and Industry, Philippines.
The three-day even will also tackle women’s health since health barriers bar them from entering, remaining and rising in the workforce.
In view of this, the Healthy Women, Healthy Economies Policy Toolkit will also be launched as part of an initiative to unleash the economic power of women through better health.
In the banking and financial industry, Filipino women have long challenged any hint of gender-bias leanings among the “old boys club.” There are now women holding influential posts and while still a relatively small number compared to male CEOs, it is not a gender issue per se.
“In the Philippines, we have seen more Filipino women in various top government positions. We also see many Filipino women CEOs in business, and this demonstrates that there is no gender bias,” said ING Bank Philippines country head Consuelo “Zondy” Garcia.
“In fact, there is general perception that the Philippines is a matriarchal society.”
Garcia added that it is not strictly about women holding powerful positions anymore. “I don't see the direct connection with having women in positions of power.”
She commented that women have the potential to change their own economic status, as well as that of the communities and countries in which they live. “When women’s economic contributions are counted and recognized, this helps improve the quality of life (including health conditions), not only for themselves and their families, but also the communities where they belong.”
Garcia said it is not only women who need transformative measures to improve health and safety issues. “(A) healthy life unleashes both men and women's potential to contribute to society – whether socially or economically – and vice versa. It is the general rule and not a gender issue.”
Garcia cited a report from the International Center for Research on Women that in economically strengthening women, this will not only enhance equality but more importantly, it should also advance women's human rights.