#WomenWill Launch in Cagayan de Oro

"Instead of Impossible, let all women say I'm

Possible." 

That was how I summarized my talk at the launching of Women Will last March 24, 2018 at Limketkai Mall.

 #WomenWill is an initiative led by Google Business Group which aims to encourage women to become entrepreneurs and leaders in their careers and communities. In Cagayan de Oro, the chapter is led by Ms. Alma Ebuña.

In many countries around the world, there is still some biases and prejudices against women. That is why, many groups and advocates still continue to fight for equality among genders because up until now, there is still some challenges with regards to gender equality.

I was happy to be part of such worthy cause and share my experience as career woman and a wife/parent at the same time. I was also inspired by the many stories of women-leaders from different walks of life who continue to create a mark in their respective circles and communities. 

Nadine Gadia, founder of the Modern Nanays of Mindanao, shared with so much passion about her advocacies in raising healthy children through breastfeeding, cloth diapering, and baby wearing. She greatly emphasized the need to raise children to become healthy to become productive members of the society later on. She also emphasized that women, whether stay-at-home or those with careers, greatly contribute to the country's economy by being the primary caregivers of our future leaders. 

Ruby Caberte, blogger, founder of Pinay Mommy Online Community, and a single mom of 3, shared about the challenges and struggles of being an online worker while raising her three kids on her own. Giving up her career to spend more time and be with family was something risky for her and even though she had a falling out with somebody she loved and was depressed at one point in her life, she went back on track and realized that she still have her kids whom she dearly loves. Until now, she continues to inspire women, especially single moms, to stay strong for their loved ones.

Roselle Machate, entrepreneur and woman behind Coffee Works and Vanity Works, also shared about being able to rise from what was considered as failure. For somebody who comes from a family of successful entrepreneurs, she also had a lot of pressure on her as she invested on a business on her own. Though at first, it was smooth-sailing, challenges began to come which made her close a lot of her branches. I can just imagine how it was hard for her especially when she need to close her main and very first branch. But instead of giving up, she took it as an inspiration to focus more on what she has and what was left for her. This includes being able to spend more time with her family and kids (which she hardly did when she had a lot of branches), to eat healthy, and to focus on how she can improve her remaining businesses. According to her, whenever we venture into a business, we need to make sure that it's something that we know and/or is passionate about and that we know/learn how to run it.

Aside from the stories shared by these inspiring women, there was also an activity for the women-participants. 

Freebies and snacks were also enjoyed by the participants.

The launching of Women Will is just the beginning of a great collaboration among women leaders, especially in Cagayan de Oro. We are so glad for Ms. Alma Ebuña, Google Business Group lead, for inviting us and making us be part of this very awesome community.

Women can. Women will.