Beyond Stereotypes: Celebrating Women's Strength at the 8th She Talks Asia Summit
The phrase 'Kababae mong tao' is one that all Filipinas have encountered at some point, often used as a dig anchored in the towering stereotypes dictating what a woman is supposed to be. If you've ever felt hindered or stifled by the limited roles set for women, let me take you through the essence of the recently concluded She Talks Asia Summit, aptly themed Breaking Stereotypes. It was a day brimming with compelling discussions and narratives that left the crowd feeling changed and inspired. It's my hope that by sharing this, it sparks the same for you.
The summit was a powerful gathering of women coming together to explore ways to stride towards gender equality, both within our communities and the deeper realms of our own selves. It was about challenging and dismantling the impossible standards that, often without our awareness, we've internalized. The event boasted a lineup of remarkable women, pioneers in their respective fields, who have navigated and shattered the stereotypes that once sought to confine them.
She Talks Asia's co-founders, Iza Calzado, Lynn Pinugu, and Bianca Intal, extended a warm welcome to attendees of the 8th She Talks Asia Summit. Karen Davila, the summit's first co-chair and the UN Women National Goodwill Ambassador, initiated the conversations with a provocative thought.
"Women take down women more than some men can," she said, pinpointing a critical issue. This tendency, she suggested, stems from our habit of criticizing women who fail to meet the same unattainable standards we harshly apply to ourselves. For Ms. Davila, “The Better Woman is the woman who loves other women too.”
Breaking Stereotypes in Power
Mahina yan. Babae kasi. Believe in yourself!
The anticipation built to a crescendo as the day's guest of honor, Former Philippine Vice-President Leni Robredo, who once held the distinction of being the most powerful woman in the country, was introduced. As she made her way to the stage, the air was electric with excitement, palpable among attendees eager to hear her speak.
In addressing inquiries about the challenges and arduous nature of her tenure as Vice President, she imparted a powerful perspective: “Huwag tanungin kung mahirap ang trabaho, tanungin kung mahalaga.” (Don't ask if the job is hard, ask if it's important.) This statement encapsulates her view on the essence of meaningful work and dedication, regardless of the hurdles.
Now serving as the Chairperson of Angat Buhay, Inc., her leadership philosophy is anchored in three fundamental values: character, respect, and discipline. She emphasizes the principle that one can only expect from others what one personally embodies and practices, underlining the irreplaceable value of hard work. Her insights not only reflect her journey and the lessons learned but also serve as a beacon for aspiring leaders, highlighting the virtues essential for impactful leadership.
Breaking Stereotypes on Women
Sayang. You’re not what they think you are.
Abi Marquez, affectionately known online as the Lumpia Queen, and Shaira Luna, a creative force in photography, shared their unique journeys of breaking societal molds as women in their creative fields. Both have faced the poignant critique of "sayang" (a term suggesting wasted potential) for choosing paths divergent from what was expected of them due to their promising talents and backgrounds.
Shaira Luna, whose early fame as a "Promil kid" set high expectations from a young age, spoke candidly about the struggle of navigating her own path versus fulfilling others' expectations. Her question to herself, “Do I continue to please the people around me? Or do I give myself the time to explore?” echoes a sentiment many women face when carving their identities. Luna’s daring to explore and filter out the noise has indeed paid off, establishing her as one of the Philippines' most sought-after photographers, with a portfolio that includes work for Vogue Philippines and numerous brand campaigns.
On the other hand, Abi Marquez brought her story of transitioning from a magna cum laude graduate in Hospitality Management to becoming the Lumpia Queen on social media. Despite the initial skepticism and the pressure felt from comments like ‘nag UP ka pa na mag vlog vlog ka lang’ (You went to UP just to make vlogs), she stood firm in her resolve. Her approach to doubters and underestimators was to "Show them how it’s done!"—a powerful testament to proving one's worth through action rather than conforming to conventional success metrics.
As their segment concluded, Marquez and Luna left the audience with an empowering message: to dream bigger than you imagine is possible and to do so in style, with cute outfits to boot!
Break Barriers, Celebrate Freedom
Women dress for men. Women dress for themselves.
Jasmine Curtis-Smith and Gette Jalasco led insightful breakout sessions on the importance of 'me time' and personal space, emphasizing the need for self-care and the freedom to just breathe. Other sessions focused on overcoming barriers to achieve goals, moving freely, and feeling comfortable in one's own skin and clothing. In partnership with UNIQLO, the discussions highlighted styling for comfort and confidence with tips for casual wear suitable for "anybody, anywhere, everyday," in line with UNIQLO's inclusive 'Made for All' philosophy.
Breaking the Victim Mindset
Mahina. Become a phoenix from the ashes of your fires.
Larra Lassam is such an inspiring woman, using her platform as a content creator and motivational speaker to shine a light on our intrinsic beauty, courage, and value. Her life took a dramatic turn at 11 when she and her cousin were caught in a fire, leaving Larra with second- and third-degree burns. This profound experience reshaped her perspective early on. Larra teaches us that it is through changing our viewpoint, the alchemy of perspective, that we can "rise from the ashes."
She conveys an essential message: it's perfectly okay to experience bad days. Not every moment demands our strength. Larra advocates for allowing ourselves to fully embrace our feelings, however challenging they may be, and to muster the strength to stand back up in our own time. Her story and message remind us that our inherent beauty and strength are indestructible, no matter the hurdles we face.
Breaking Stereotypes Women Have About Finance
Women don’t contribute. There is value in women’s labor.
Representing GCash, Cathlyn Pavia and Gilda Maquilan pushed forward the discourse on women empowerment by providing opportunities for Finance for All. GCash promotes financial inclusion and financial independence through technology allowing for opportunities for investment, insurance, and business. She Talks Asia shares in their mission to build communities and cultivate safe spaces for women, placing emphasis on the need to start placing value on unpaid care work performed by women nationwide.
#SheCan: Redefining Authenticity (and the power of having the right community)
This is no place for a woman. Women have a place in all spaces.
The jampacked panel featuring Ai Dela Cruz, Demai Granali, Jabba Tantay, and Denise Oyog epitomized ‘following your passion’. They lead the charge with their energy, passion, and enthusiasm for their respective loves in hosting, KPop, and gaming. They experience the power and leadership that comes with leading large groups and fanbases. Ai Dela Cruz is one of the longest-staying MYX VJs while also hosting huge PPop conventions with her infectious kilig and energy. Demai Granali and Jabba Tantay are the founders and administrators for thriving fan communities TITAS OF BTS and ARMY Connect PH with a strong following of over 20,000 members in the Philippines and abroad. Denise Oyog aka Yogi leads premier gaming events and conventions all for the core of what makes gaming great: the community.
It goes to show that the more you lean in to who you are, the more you’ll find yourself in the place you’re meant to be. And the more likely you are to find the people who share the same passion as you do.
Breaking Stereotypes on Love
Nagtandang dalaga. You are already complete.
Eugene Domingo’s insight on love served as the perfect sweet ending to the day. Her electric personality had the audience laughing and feeling inspired with her love story, emphasizing the importance of embracing love’s journey.
On finding love she relates that “Minsan walang mali sayo. Wala kang kailangan baguhin, nasa maling lugar ka lang. Malaki ang mundo.” The world may be large but the power of fate is larger, as she met her husband Danilo Bottoni in Italy while in her 40s proving that there is no timeline when it comes to life and love. She reminds us ‘not to succumb to ideal timelines’
For those of us still on our journey for love she wants us to remember “You are already complete. You should decide for yourself, ‘I am happy today. I will be happy tomorrow.’”
One hundred percent of ticket sales for the event went directly to Mano Amiga as a show of support for the organization and their mission of education and empowering the next generation. Mano Amiga Philippines is the She Talks Asia Summit partner NGO, a nonprofit school providing high quality education and sustainable livelihood to underprivileged communities.
She Talks Asia is a women empowerment community and advocacy agency that amplifies stories and creates experiences highlighting intergenerational wisdom. Check out She Talks Asia and keep up to date on future events and podcasts and I hope to see you at next year’s summit!
She Talks Asia Summit 2024 is co-presented by UNIQLO, Globe, GCash, with participation from Happy Skin.