Nurturing women leaders: The power of business education

In today’s fast-evolving world, women are breaking barriers and making significant strides across various industries. Whether in corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, health care, technology, or the creative industries, business education can play a vital role in equipping women with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to navigate challenges, foster innovation, lead with purpose, and be successful.

A recently published book “Wowsome Women of the UP School of Business” authored by my marketing professor at the University of the Philippines College of Business, Dr. Victoria Jardiolin-Villa, highlights the remarkable journeys of UPCBA alumni who are driving change across various industries and sectors. I’m honored to be featured among these inspiring leaders, sharing how I champion women’s empowerment through the organizations I lead.

Reading the stories of other thriving women in the book was both enlightening and empowering—it deepened my appreciation of how access to business education can significantly contribute to developing women business leaders who can contribute to our broader socioeconomic progress. I wish to share my own reflections on how our business training has helped us become successful.

1. Building foundational business acumen. Regardless of one’s profession, understanding business fundamentals, such as finance, marketing, and operation, is crucial. Business education provides women with insights into economic principles, organizational management, and market trends to help them make informed decisions.

2. Strengthening leadership and decision-making skills. Leadership is essential in every profession, and business education cultivates strong leadership qualities. Women who undergo business training develop the confidence to take initiative, manage teams, and drive strategic planning. Effective decision-making is another key component—business education sharpens analytical thinking, allowing women to assess risks, seize opportunities, and navigate complex situations with clarity.

3. Empowering women for entrepreneurship. Many women aspire to establish their own businesses, and business education provides them with the essential tools to be successful entrepreneurs. From understanding financial management to mastering marketing strategies, an education in business prepares women to build sustainable enterprises.

4. Enhancing financial literacy and independence. Financial literacy is critical for personal and professional success. Business education helps women grasp key financial concepts, such as budgeting, investment, and funds management. With this knowledge, they can effectively manage their income, grow their assets, and secure financial independence.

5. Opening doors to diverse career opportunities. A strong foundation in business broadens career prospects across industries. Women with business knowledge can venture into roles in management, consulting, finance, human resources, and beyond. Additionally, business education complements specialized careers—health professionals can enhance their medical practices, engineers can launch innovative tech startups, and artists can build sustainable creative ventures.

6. Bridging the gender gap in leadership. Despite progress, gender disparities still exist in leadership positions across industries. Business education equips women with the expertise and confidence to assume executive roles and advocate for greater inclusivity. By fostering networking opportunities and mentorship programs, business training helps women connect with influential leaders and position themselves for high-impact roles.

7. Driving social change and economic growth. Educated women contribute to economic development and social progress. Business training enables women to lead sustainable businesses that create jobs and uplift communities. Additionally, business education promotes ethical leadership and corporate social responsibility, ensuring women in business prioritize environmental sustainability and social impact.

Business education is more than just a pathway to success—it is a catalyst for transformation. Equipping women with essential business skills, financial knowledge, and leadership capabilities, empowers them to excel in diverse careers and create meaningful change. Whether launching a business, leading a corporation, or innovating in a specialized field, women with business education have the tools to thrive and inspire future generations.

In the words of the author, “I hope these narratives of women who have succeeded in challenging the gender-based barriers to personal growth should inspire the young female generation to persevere in their chosen field of work and be brave enough to confront or challenge male-dominated norms and values.”

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Ma. Aurora “Boots” Geotina-Garcia is the founding chair and president of PhilWEN, and the chair of the governing council of PBCWE.

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Women Who Lead is an initiative of PhilWEN.