When women gather to share stories of courage and purpose, something powerful happens. That spirit filled the halls of Enderun Atrium in Taguig City during the #UnstoppablePowHER: The Watsons Women’s Forum 2025.
Among the voices that resonated most was that of Attorney Star Elamparo, a lawyer who has spent decades breaking barriers in a field still shaped by old habits.
Looking back on her early years in law, she recalled walking into courtrooms dominated by men—judges, colleagues, even clients—and facing not just professional pressure but prejudice.
“When I was starting, I saw how male-dominated the system was,” she told Manila Standard Lifestyle. “Sometimes the comments weren’t about my arguments but about my looks or what I was wearing.”
the discussion during the Watsons #UnstoppablePowHER Women’s Forum 2025
Instead of backing down, she used those moments as a turning point. “It’s unacceptable, but I realized that if no one speaks up, nothing changes,” she said. Over time, she found that strength comes from persistence and that true empowerment means refusing to be silenced.
That message echoed throughout the forum, where women from different industries gathered to talk about purpose, health, and community. Each story underscored that empowerment can take many forms—whether through advocacy, creativity, or compassion.
Elamparo also acknowledged that while laws now protect women from discrimination and harassment, the bigger challenge lies in changing mindsets.
“We have very good laws in effect,” she said. “But what we need is vigilance. Even if you’re not the victim, if you see something wrong, you have an obligation to speak up.”
Her honesty showed how empowerment begins with awareness and action. “What people think are harmless or normal can actually be acts of harassment,” she added. “Change doesn’t happen overnight, but we have to be patient and keep being vigilant.”
She also believes the fight for equality has extended to the digital space. “Whenever I see something misogynistic or anti-women on the internet, I don’t tolerate it,” she said. “It’s not about winning the argument—it’s about putting the argument out there and making even one or two people think.”
Elamparo’s story shows how empowerment begins with one voice—and how speaking up can spark the change others need to find their own.
