The rise of women in trade

“To further unlock the full economic potential of women in the Philippines, governments and organizations should collaborate to create a supportive ecosystem that empowers women in trade. This includes targeted policies, gender-responsive trade facilitation measures and initiatives that support and raise awareness on the issue of women’s economic empowerment in the Philippines and beyond.”

MANILA, Philippines — The push for empowering women in the trade industry is no longer just about equality but is now about driving economic growth and resilience.

The rise of more female leaders in the global trade industry proves their ability to thrive and bring progress to their respective organizations.

A prime example of this is Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona. She rose from the ranks with her decades of service to the agency, starting as technical staff.

“Being a woman enables me to bring a unique and valuable perspective to my role as undersecretary of the Regional Operations Group in the Department of Trade and Industry – and that one highlights collaboration, resilience and adaptability,” Lantayona said.

“They say that women are natural problem-solvers and multitaskers – traits that are most needed when your job requires balancing multiple responsibilities in diverse locations and cultural nuances,” she added.

Lantayona emphasized that women play a crucial role in the trade industry, noting that they could be entrepreneurs, decision-makers and innovators, contributing significantly to economic growth and industry transformation.

“Women-led enterprises have always been instrumental in job creation, driving innovation and introducing fresh perspectives to the table. By empowering women in trade – whether through policy support, capacity building, or financial assistance – we create a more diverse, inclusive and dynamic business environment. This not only strengthens local economies but also positions the Philippines as a global player in trade and commerce,” she said.

The DTI official stressed that ensuring women are equipped with the right tools, resources and opportunities to succeed in the trade industry is vital in building a sustainable and resilient market.

International Trade Center (ITC) managing director for Asia-Pacific Sylvie Cochin echoed Lantayona’s sentiments, emphasizing that being a woman in a leadership position brings a unique perspective on the importance of fostering women empowerment worldwide.

“I’ve learned to navigate challenges, overcome obstacles and advocate for change. This experience allows me to approach my work with greater sensitivity and a deeper understanding of the specific needs and obstacles that women in trade encounter globally and in countries like the Philippines. It has fuelled my passion for developing and implementing inclusive programs and policies that truly empower small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly women entrepreneurs, to thrive,” Cochin said.

She emphasized that building a high-growth, resilient and inclusive economy cannot be achieved without the active participation of women.

“They play a vital and significant role in the Philippines’ economy, particularly in entrepreneurship and within micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. In fact, the Philippines is the first country in Asia in the 2023 Global Gender Gap Report, ranked 16th among 146 countries,” Cochin said, adding that over half of the approximately one million MSMEs in the Philippines are led by women.

Creating an enabling ecosystem for women in trade

Despite the contributions of women in the trade sector, Cochin acknowledged that women are substantially less likely to engage in exports, as they face persistent barriers preventing them from accessing international markets and realizing their economic potential, including gender gaps, access to finance, access to market information, etc.

“Through the International Trade Center’s work in the Philippines and my visits to the country, I have seen first-hand how creative, resourceful and resilient Filipina women are, in sectors such as the food and beverage industry, technology, services and start-ups, manufacturing, craftsmanship and social enterprises,” Cochin said.

As a result of the barriers they face when trying to engage in business and trade, Cochin noted that women-owned enterprises are more likely to seek support from within the business and trade ecosystem, as evidenced by the number of women-owned or led enterprises seeking and benefiting from support from technical assistance facilities and projects.

“To further unlock the full economic potential of women in the Philippines, governments and organizations should collaborate to create a supportive ecosystem that empowers women in trade. This includes targeted policies, gender-responsive trade facilitation measures and initiatives that support and raise awareness on the issue of women’s economic empowerment in the Philippines and beyond,” Cochin said.

For her part, Rhoda Castro Caliwara, president of WomenBizPH and CEO of Executive Genesis Services Inc., highlighted the importance of creating supportive networks for women entrepreneurs.

Under her leadership, WomenBizPH has collaborated with various organizations to provide mentorship, training and market access opportunities for women-led businesses.

“By fostering a community where women uplift each other, we can break down barriers and open new avenues for growth,” Caliwara emphasized.

International support for women entrepreneurs

Stressing its active involvement in supporting women entrepreneurs through targeted programs and partnerships, Cochin highlighted that the ITC has stood by women entrepreneurs globally and in the Philippines.

One of ITC’s flagship initiatives is the SheTrades Program, which expands women’s opportunities in global trade. The SheTrades Philippines Hub, the first of its kind in Asia, was launched in collaboration with the DTI and funded by the United Kingdom. This hub serves as a resource center where women entrepreneurs can access training, market opportunities and investment support.

Additionally, ITC has implemented the SheTrades Outlook, a policy tool that helps governments integrate gender considerations into trade policies. Since 2021, ITC has worked with the DTI to shape more inclusive trade policies in the Philippines, ensuring women entrepreneurs have equitable access to international markets.

Cochin also emphasized the importance of partnerships between international organizations, government bodies and the private sector in delivering meaningful support to women entrepreneurs. Initiatives such as the ARISE Plus Philippines project, funded by the European Union, exemplify the impact of such collaborations. Through this project, a woman-led enterprise was able to attend a trade fair in Germany, securing a major deal for three containers of virgin coconut oil from a European buyer.

“For entrepreneurs, and even more so for women, these successes are life-changing. They demonstrate how trade-related assistance and strong partnerships can drive women’s economic empowerment,” Cochin said.

Moreover, Caliwara echoed this sentiment, noting that collective efforts are crucial in overcoming systemic challenges. “When we unite – government agencies, private sector, and civil society – we create a formidable force that can dismantle the barriers hindering women’s full participation in trade,” she said.

Encouraging more women to enter trade and entrepreneurship

With the support available for women entrepreneurs today, Cochin encourages aspiring female entrepreneurs looking to break into the trade industry to explore these opportunities.

“Your contributions are essential, and your potential is limitless. Embrace the opportunities available, seek out support networks and be confident in your ability to shape the future of trade,” Cochin said.

Caliwara urged women entrepreneurs to keep their heads high and feet grounded. She urged them to embrace the power of being a woman, encapsulating the confidence and resilience that women bring to the business landscape.

“The path to success is lined with a few challenges here and there, but with resilience, a desire for continuous learning, prayers, and strong determination, your dreams will turn into reality. So take one step at a time, seize every opportunity coming your way, continue to innovate and adapt, and most of all, never underestimate the value of your impact and contributions no matter how big or small,” Lantayona said.