CNN Philippines’ recent women’s summit highlighted women empowerment and raised awareness of gender equality in society.
In her opening remarks, Vice President Leni Robredo said, “The woman of today has never been as empowered, as strong, and as remarkably confident as ever before. And today, we gather as one community to celebrate how far we have gone. Today, we celebrate our women’s resilience, strength, and bravery throughout history. ”
The summit, now in its second year, aimed to inspire women to take a stand towards creating a non-gender biased community and celebrate women who have succeeded in different aspects of life.
Keynote speakers for the event included women leaders Department of Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat; parenting, relationship, and family life specialist Dr. Michele Alignay, and CNN International senior correspondent Paula Hancocks.
Dr. Alignay took to stage the importance of being a woman in the family and taking care of each member’s well-being. She has collaborated with SM Supermalls this summer for the #WeHaveEachOther campaign, a weekly video series from April until May tackling the topic of social play for parents to spend more time with their kids and loved ones.
The women’s summit also set up a marketplace area that featured women entrepreneurs and their products such as handcrafted goods, locally made designer wares, cosmetics, and healthy snacks. The fair offered health and financial advice to attendees.
A panel discussion was also held, led by The Moment Group restaurateur and co-founder Abba Nappa; The Center of International Trade Expositions and Missions executive director Pauline Juan; Dentsu Jayme-Syfu “chairmom” and chief creative officer Merlee Jayme; Evident chief executive and founder Cecile Dominguez-Yujuico; Grrrl Gang Manila co-founder Marla Darwin; and AHA Learning Center executive director Jaton Zulueta.