List of 10 Most Empowered Women in the Philippines
24 March 2023The United Nations remind the world again that both men and women should have equal status and equal access to education and human rights as we celebrate National Women’s Month.
That is why we emphasized the need for compassionate and harmonized networks towards empowering women and gender parity. We also honor and salute Filipino women who are icons of women's empowerment. They have changed how the world would describe a typical Filipino as they excel in different fields with flying colors. From business to arts, there’s a strong woman who embodies a modern Filipina.
So, if you want some motivation or inspiration to succeed in your chosen career, here is a list of empowered women in the Philippines.
10 Inspiring Filipino Women
Do you know someone who happens to be the epitome of empowering women and gender equality? For sure, you have one in mind. In celebration of National Women's Month, here is a list of modern Filipinas who showcases women's empowerment.
Socorro “Nanay Coring” Ramos, Retail Business
Did you know that one of the most successful entrepreneurs is a woman named Socorro Ramos? She’s the Founders and Chairman of National Bookstore, the biggest bookstore chain and office and school supplies in the country.
She started the first retail bookstore in 1942 together with her husband, Jose Ramos. Despite the hardships and struggles of operating the shop, she managed to survive and was recognized as one of the Outstanding Entrepreneurs in the Philippines.
At age of 99, she is still acting and working because, for her, age probably doesn’t matter.
Josie Natori, Fashion
One of the wealthiest persons in the fashion industry is Josephina Almeda Cruz, popularly known as Josie Natori. She is a self-made woman billionaire, running an international fashion brand called The Natori Company.
Although she now lives in New York, she grew up with Filipino values taught by her grandmother in the Philippines. What’s more, she hires Filipino workers in her Manila factory and helps Filipino artists to get study grants from the Asian Cultural Council.
Marife Zamora, BPO
Marife Zamora is one of the country’s most influential women and is recognized as the top female executive who shattered the proverbial glass. In corporate worlds, women are often kept from advancing their careers but Marife Zamora broke the record.
Today, she is the Chairperson of Concentrix, formerly Convergys Philippines, and a strong advocate of women empowerment in the workplace. She is also the Founder of The Filipina Circle, an organization of women CEOs in the Philippines who rose from the ranks to leaders of huge private corporations.
Alice Eduardo, Construction
Being a woman doesn’t stop her from leading a pioneer construction company in the Philippines. Alice Eduardo is hailed as the “Woman of Steel” and the CEO and President of Sta. Elena Construction and Development Corporation.
She started her construction company in 1995 to fulfill her childhood fascination with man-made structures. Today, she successfully delivers among the biggest projects in the country, including SM Malls, San Gabriel Power Plant, and SMDC residential complexes in Metro Manila.
Besides being a businesswoman, she is also known as a philanthropist. Among her recognizable deeds is the restoration of the old nurses’ dormitory of the Philippine General Hospital and the new front liners and patients' haven called Bahay Silungan.
Abba Nappa, Food Business
Abba Nappa is also one of the most powerful women in the field of the food business. She is The Moment Group’s Co-Founder for Creative Development since 2012. Together with her business partners Eliza Antonino and Jon Syjuco, they created some of the most famous dining establishments in the country. Some of these are the Manam’s Mama Nams, Manam Comfort Filipino, Moment Catering, Shawa Wama, Bank Bar, HuChi Southeast Eats, 8Cuts Burgers, The Mess Hall, Mo’ Cookies, Ooma Bold Japanese, and Mecha Uma.
Previously, she conquered the world of footwear retail business, wherein she brought Havaianas to Philippine consumers. This only means that women like Abba Nappa can be successful as many times as they want.
Alex Eduque
Alex Eduque is a perfect example for young adults because she started volunteer work in her teenage years at Habitat for Humanity. It’s a non-profit organization that builds homes for less fortunate Filipinos. She is also the Founder of Habitat for Youth Council which raises funds for the said cause.
At age 28, she leads another non-profit organization called MovEd Philippines, which aims to bring early childhood care and development programs to poor communities. She was recognized as the youngest and first Filipino to be awarded at the Global Awards for Fundraising in the Netherlands.
Aimee Carandang, Aviation
Aimee Carandang is known to be the first female commercial pilot not only in the Philippines but also in Asia. She started her career in 1993 as a full-pledged flight captain for Philippine Airlines. Since then, many women are encouraged to pursue their dreams in the field of airline and aviation, which used to be dominated by men.
Apo Whang-Od Oggay, Arts
Apo Whang-Od is recognized by the National Commission for Culture and Arts for preserving the traditional practice of tattooing. She received the Dangal ng Haraya Award and is also the oldest tattoo artist in the world. Foreign visitors would flock to their village in Kalinga, asking to be inked with Apo Whang-od’s signature designs.
Hidilyn Diaz, Sports
Hidilyn Diaz is well-deserved to be recognized as one of the most empowered women in the Philippines because of her contribution to sports. She’s an Olympic Gold Medalist in Weightlifting and, recently, got a historic reign in the 2022 IWF World Weightlifting Championships in Bogota, Colombia.
Besides being an award-winning weightlifter, she is also a Staff Sergeant in Philippine Air Force.
Catriona Gray, Pageantry
Developing countries like the Philippines is one of the most beautiful faces in the world. That is why Filipinas are among the greatest contenders in the field of pageantry. One of the most remarkable beauties that captured the heart of the Universe is Catriona Gray, who won the Miss Universe 2018 title.
Catriona Gray was famous for incorporating the different aspects of Filipino culture during the competition. She wore outfits made of indigenous materials from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, showing her advocacy for indigenous culture preservation.
Clearly, Filipino women are more than just a symbol of compassion and perseverance. They are the symbol to empower women and build independence and leadership against gender inequality. It’s no surprise they can achieve their investment goals, such as buying a house and lot in the Philippines. Once they set their mind on it, they’ll do everything to reach their dream.
Lumina Homes is delighted to offer an affordable house and lot package suitable for modern Filipinas. With over 50 locations nationwide, we can assure you that all our Lumina communities promote gender equality and social inclusion. You can experience comfortable living with our complete amenities and closer proximities to all your essential needs, especially if you choose to live in an affordable house and lot in the Philippines.
For a complete list of affordable house and lot for sale properties, you can check our property listings page or contact our Lumina sellers near you.
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