Breaking stereotypes left and right
When we talk about women empowerment, the conversation usually revolves around women making space for themselves and asserting their thoughts, opinions and judgement. It usually brings to light how women are often times overlooked by traditional men and anyone who holds the belief that women’s strengths lie at home or at school, with their children or with fellow women. All in all, it’s a conversation worth having, but in She Talks Asia 2024, the conversation turned to one of introspection.
As always, the She Talks Asia 2024 Summit provided an intimate environment to learn from speakers of various fields, specialties and industries. But this year, STA centered on a new theme: Breaking Stereotypes, particularly on changing systemic biases.
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She Talks Asia Co-Founders Lynn Pinugu, Bianca Gonzalez and Iza Calzado Wintle were joined by UN Women Goodwill Ambassador Karen Davila—who took the stage as She Talks Asia Summit’s first ever Co-Chair. “The truth is, women are hardest on other women,” she says in her keynote. “Challenge yourself: ‘What role do I play in these stereotypes?’”
And it’s true. For so long, we as women were brought up to think that “they” were the obstacle we had to overcome, but how many comments have we come across from women that backhandedly put down women? The kind that pointing out “flaws” in harmful—read: not conducive—ways?
And when former Vice President Atty. Leni Robredo took the stage in a fireside chat with Lynn Pinugu, she took the conversation further, reminding us that the battle to equality is a long one. “There’s a bigger fight ahead,” she says. “Drown out the noise and focus on what we need to do.”
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“Breaking Stereotypes” was the theme of the She Talks Asia 2024 Summit. And in that afternoon, several women spoke up.
Shaira Luna touched on her own personal experiences. Having been dubbed a “gifted kid,” she was on the road to becoming one of the country’s youngest doctors. But she chose her own path, questioning: “Do I continue to please everyone who’s watched me all throughout the years; do I give them what they want? Or do I give myself time, for the first time, to explore?”
On the other hand, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, in a segment that was held in partnership with UNIQLO entitled Break Barriers, Celebrate Freedom, urges us all to take some time to take care of ourselves and to make choices for ourselves. “This is my time,” she says. “So I will give it to myself—not you; I will actively give it to myself.”
Furthermore, GCash VP for Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Gilda Maquilan, pointed out the importance of care work. “There is value on the amount of time, competency and effort that women put into taking care of other people,” she argues. “We need to start putting value on unpaid care work.”
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In a panel discussion sponsored by Globe entitled #SheCan, Denise Oyog, Head of Events at TEG Group of companies, pointed out the importance of taking space in traditionally male-dominated fields and interests. “You owe it to yourself to be passionate about something,” she urges. “That’s when you’ll find your authentic voice.”
The She Talks Asia 2024 Summit also gave motivational speaker Larra Francesca Lassam an avenue to discuss her journey of perseverance and perspective. Escaping a bathroom fire that inflicted third-degree burns across her face and body at 11 years old, she chose to view her experience through a lens of purpose and survival instead of wallowing. “Transcendence is a process of going through the pain,” she explains. “How will you use your alchemy of perspective so you become a phoenix from the ashes of your fires?”
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Actress Eugene Domingo took the conversation to romantic timelines. Delving into society’s timelines about finding love, getting married and starting your own family, she says: “You, yourself, are complete. You, yourself, are powerful. You, yourself, should decide ‘I am happy today; I will be happy tomorrow.’”
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Breaking Stereotypes is no easy feat, but it’s a little easier when you’re surrounded by like-minded individuals. It becomes a little less daunting when you have a space that allows you to feel vulnerable—but leaves you feeling empowered.
She Talks Asia is now on its eight year of fostering dialogue and support women’s issues. 100% of proceeds is dedicated to a scholarship fund for girls through Mano Amiga Philippines. The She Talks Asia 2024 Summit was co-presented by UNIQLO, Globe and GCash, with participation from Happy Skin.
Art Alexandra Lara
