When AS Watson became a signatory early this year of the Women’s Empowerment Principles, a global movement under the United Nations Women Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, the global health and beauty retailer strengthened its commitment to promoting inclusivity and opportunities for women.
Watsons Philippines, in particular, has 80 percent of its workforce made up of women, according to its senior assistant vice president for marketing, public relations, and sustainability, Sharon Decapia. This is 10 percent higher than the global level, she pointed out during the “Move with PowHer” forum held last Monday at KMC One Ayala in Makati City.
“Majority of our customers are also female,” Decapia told Lifestyle at the event. “At least 60 percent, based on our club membership.” Thus, the mounting of “Move with PowHer” for the first time, she pointed out.
“Move with PowHer” forum panelists with Watson Philippines vice president and customer director Jared De Guzman and group senior category manager for personal care Zyra Tinio Obias
“It’s to really advocate for gender equality, women empowerment, and to inspire women in general with resource speakers who we’ve invited. Women have the power to move and achieve their dream.”
She admitted their past efforts didn’t provide the conversation to further engage their audience. This time, she happily reported, they’re creating a platform to share thoughts and ideas among women. Gauging from the full attendance from diverse backgrounds—professionals, entrepreneurs, artists, community leaders—and their positive reaction, Decapia said “Move with PowHer” may become an annual event.
Why empower women?
Joining Decapia in the forum”s panel of discussion were educator and social entrepreneur Lynn Pinugu, sports occupational therapist Hazel Calawod, and race event organizer Nicole Dela Cruz. They shared their experiences in advocating for gender equality and women empowerment, as well as some words of wisdom that keep them going.
Sharon Decapia is Watson Philippines’ senior assistant vice president for marketing , public relations and sustainability.
“I think one of the best things I ever learned growing up is that really, really believing that I am enough,” said Pinugu, a co-founder and the chief executive officer of She Talks Asia, an advocacy platform dedicated to sparking meaningful conversations about women’s strength, mental health, and gender equality.
Aside from being an educator and social entrepreneur, Lynn Pinugu is cofounder and CEO of the advocacy platform She Talks Asia.
She then asked the audience to keep telling themselves that they’re enough. “Why? Because so many things about being a woman have to do with shame, right? We’re not thin enough. We’re not pretty enough. We’re not successful enough. It’s always we’re not good enough. You need to believe that you’re enough, so that you can effectively advocate for yourself. That’s when you can also effectively advocate for others.”
Nicole Dela Cruz created Women’s Run PH to allow equal opportunities in the sport
For Dela Cruz, encouraging women to get into sports, such as running, is very important, as it helps build self-confidence and discover their passion. She explained, “Through our event, Women’s Run PH, we are able to not just have a lot of women participation, but we’re also able to create a platform wherein women can get to connect. We get to share our problems, like in health. We get to create a community where women get to talk about these things and uplift each other.”
Additionally, Women’s Run PH also enables their participants to be of help to others, with portions of proceeds from their events going to various charity organizations. These include supporters of women with disabilities, children with autism, and cancer patients.
Sports occupational therapist Hazel Calawod is one of the coaches of double olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo
Calawod, who’s one of the coaches of double Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo, exclaimed that she loves empowering others, as her job entails. “I want to see people succeed. I want to see people get what they want out of life. You don’t give up on whatever it is that you want to create in this world, because you are a unique human being. Maybe it will create a big impact for your community and the world.”
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