This is a day of respect, recognition and appreciation for all the women in the world for their contributions to society. Last year was its 100th anniversary and a lot of events took place in different parts of the world. For this year, the theme is "Empower Women – End Hunger and Poverty". This is quite a huge event that a lot of countries consider this as an official holiday. Unfortunately, this is not widely celebrated in the Philippines.
In line with today's celebration of International Women's Day, I want to recognize some women considering their economic, political and social achievements.
She is the Managing Director of ABS-CBN Foundation which introduced socio-civic projects such as Bantay Bata 163 and Bantay Kalikasan. Last year she was appointed as Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission chief. She received the Peace Award (2003) for her dedication in preserving the environment and Outstanding NGO for Community Development for Bantay Kalikasan. She recently had a heated debate with Manny V. Pangilinan regarding the issue of mining. Her charitable acts and her persistence to fight for her beliefs make her an outstanding woman.
You can always see her during the impeachment trial raising her voice at the prosecutors. She has one of the best credentials, earning Bachelor of Arts magna cum laude and Bachelor of Laws cum laude from the University of the Philippines College of Law and earned her doctorate in University of Michigan law School. (source Wikipedia). Also, late last year she was elected as Judge of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and she is the first ever female judge from a developing state in Asia (source: DFA). She is truly a woman of excellence.
We all know that her father holds the top spot for Philippines' richest man. A part of his success was brought by the expertise of his right hand, and first child - Tessie. She has been the Advisor of SM prime Holdings Inc. since May 2008. She is the Executive Vice President of First Asia Realty Development Corp., President of SM Mart, Inc., President and Chairman of ShoeMart, Inc., and Supervalue, Inc. and last but not the least, Chairperson of BDO Unibank Inc. and BDO Leasing & Finance (Source: Businessweek). She is indeed a multi-tasker having different positions in their company. She is now part of Forbes Asia's 50 Power Businesswomen. She proves that business is not just for men.
From a plain housewife, to being the first Filipina President to being the 'Mother of Philippine Democracy'. She was known in the whole world for standing up from dictatorship and restored our freedom. After she stepped down as president, she received numerous awards such as the J. William Fulbright Prize for International Understanding from the Fulbright Association (source: Wikipedia) She was not just a political figure but she was a role model and an inspiration to all Filipinos.
She is the founder of RockEd Philippines, a group that uses music to as an alternative education to present social issues. She was one of The Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service (TOWNS) 2010 awardees and she was one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men (2010).National Geographic Channel Asia even selected her as one of their "Live Curious" ambassadors. (Source: Wikipedia) She had the perfect vision to use music as medium in order to connect to the youth.
These women have brought significant changes to our country, not only for their excellence but more importantly for their passion which brings inspiration to many. We are all surrounded with great women and most of them don't get awards or get featured in magazine covers. They are just ordinary women but have touched our lives in an extraordinary way. Show them your appreciation and let's all be grateful we have them. Let's not only remember their worth during special occasions but show them love every single day.
To all the women in my life, Happy Women's Day! =)
Image Sources:
Logo - http://www.careers.lon.ac.uk/blog/library/index.php/2010/03/it-is-international-womens-day-today-what-does-that-mean/
Gina Lopez - http://www.cdm.aim.edu/index.php/news-and-announcements/140-ms-gina-lopez-on-the-adverse-effects-of-mining-in-devt-at-work-forum-may-25-2011
Miriam Santiago - http://www.starmometer.com/2011/12/13/miriam-santiago-elected-as-judge-in-international-criminal-court-icc/
Tessie Coson - http://pinoypower.net/2012/03/07/sms-teresita-sy-coson-covers-forbes-asias-50-power-businesswomen-issue/
Cory Aquino - http://www.time.com/time/covers/0,16641,19870105,00.html
Gang Badoy - http://www.spot.ph/gallery/580/Live-Curious-Exhibit/article/46727#pid=6778
No comments:
Post a Comment