Women power

Women entrepreneurship continues to be a growing sector. In fact, they are a prime mover in the economy, especially if we talk of the micro and SME segment. They are the force behind the millions of sari-sari stores, bakeries, fashion and accessories, salons, processed food and beverage stores around us. Around 70 percent of new enterprises are started by women. They are known to be more frugal, detailed, efficient, sweet and caring, and yes, can multi-task. That is why we see a lot of women moving up in our society.  They are successful, taking leadership roles in corporations, government and NGOs, in many sectors of our economy, even in elected positions. We are used to being governed by women, not only as presidents of our country or corporations, but as CEO’s in our homes.

Kidding aside, women in our country are relatively more empowered than in other countries, but statistics show that there are still segments in our society where women have not yet enjoyed true freedom and empowerment. They remain subservient to their male partners or family heads. Go Negosyo remains committed to raising the awareness of some marginalized sectors on their unlimited opportunities and that everyone has the chance to succeed in life. Everyone can be inspired. Be inspired to dream and improve capabilities to move up in life.

This coming March 6, we wish to reach out to as many women as possible, for them to have exposure, inspiration, learning how they can also become successful. We shall have the Go Negosyo 7th Filipina Entrepreneurship Summit. We are fortunate to have the presence of inspiring and successful Filipinas who want to give back and touch the lives of our kababayans.  We shall be joined by Sen. Cynthia Villar, Sen. Grace Poe, Sen. Loren Legarda, Rep. Leni Robredo, Tessie Sy-Coson and Kris Aquino, Nanay Coring Ramos of National Bookstore, Esther Vibal of Vibal Publishing, Karen Davila, Alice Eduardo (Sta Elena Construction), Yati Abdullah (DHL), Kat Abelarde (PLDT), just to name a few.  They are joining us because they simply would like to help bring back hope and rekindle the dreams of many women out there wishing to improve their lives. 

Sen. Cynthia Villar, has been an active partner of Go Negosyo for the past years. Even before her legislative position, she has helped many Filipinas through their Villar Foundation and their programs include trainings and seminars for different livelihood projects. As the managing director of Villar Foundation, she continues to initiate projects that will help uplift lives of many Filipinos: from overseas Filipino workers and their families to youth and women. She is worthy of her descriptor, Mrs. Hanepbuhay.

Sen. Grace Poe, one of the role models of today’s Filipinas, has continued to shine in the Senate and as she leads the Senate inquiry on many issues, including the current Mamasapano tragedy.  She believes in Go Negosyo’s program to empower the Filipino women. She shared in her keynote message last year that creativity is the key to success as it distinguishes one from the others. 

We will be also joined by Sen. Loren Legarda who is known to be a passionate leader in protecting women’s rights and welfare. She has also been a lead advocate on environment protection.  She will be leading a forum in the afternoon.

An example of a brave and strong Filipina is  Rep. Leni Robredo. We have known her humble story as a wife to the late Sec. Jesse Robredo, but now as a congresswoman, she has shown good works and great examples for many. She was actually the founder of Lakas ng Kababaihan ng Naga and a past president of the Naga City Council of Women. She is definitely a Filipina supporter!

Coming from the business sector is Tessie Sy-Coson.  She is highly regarded as a smart and strong leader in the huge SM empire. She is also the chairperson of the fast growing BDO Unibank. In 2013, she made it to the Forbes Asia magazine’s list of top 50 stellar women leaders. She exhibits passion and excellence in all that she does and I can say that many Filipinas look up to her.

Kris Aquino, the queen of all media, will also join us in the 7th Filipina Entrepreneurship summit. Aside from the many hats she wears in her show business life, she is also a mother, a sister and an entrepreneur. I am sure that many of you know that she recently bought a franchise of a fastfood company which she endorses. She will lead the discussion in the first forum.

Aside from the above mentioned Filipina icons and entrepreneurs, we will be also joined by key entrepreneurs in the business such as Rosalind Wee (W Group), Myrna Yao (RichPrime), Marife Zamora (Convergys), Maria Fe Agudo (Hyundai), Joy Abaquin (Multiple Intelligence), Emma Imperial (Imperial Homes), Ria Lu (Komikasi), Riza Mantaring (SunLife), Stella Sy (Mint), and Patis Tesoro (Patis).

 The program will have different fora which will be participated in by Ali Sotto, Tintin Babao, Miriam Quiambao, Nicole Hyala, Erlinda Binanitan, Arianne David, Marta Hernandez, Karla Ilacad, Kim Lato, Vanessa Ledesma, Nester Raneses, Darlene Tan,  Celestina Ocampo, Rebecca Bustamante, Josephine Costales, Amor Maclang, Patsy Paterno, Danella Yaptinchay, Ines Fernandes, Girlie Lorenzo, lawyer Gianna Montinola, Menchie De Guzman, Patricia Chilip, Beverly Aquino, Erlinda Bartolome, Jill Borja, Vernie Farro, Bing Limjoco, Lirio Posadas, Josie See, Joey Sarmiento, Jun Pangilinan.

We are only a few days to March 6 and I still invite everyone to register and join us in the biggest women event of the year!