Gender equality is a fundamental human right. Disparities in access to opportunities and decision-making power continue to exist between men and women. Women have lower economic participation and opportunities than men around the world, with less access to basic and higher education, higher health and safety risks, and less political representation.
Women's rights and opportunities to reach their full potential are critical not only for achieving gender equality, but also for meeting a wide range of international development goals. Women and girls who are empowered contribute to the health and productivity of their families, communities, and countries, creating a virtuous circle that benefits everyone.
Global Women Empowerment Summit (GWES) is a Dubai, UAE born and based women empowerment event that brings together women from all over the world to discuss and solve women's issues in a non-political manner, honor women champions, showcase women skills, and motivate women of all races and colors to overcome all challenges in life and become an inspiration to mankind. For the past five years, His Royal Highness Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has actively supported GWES by providing all necessary resources.
Founder and advocate
Love Charmaine Uychoco, CEO of Prodigy Bureau, founded GWES six years ago to advance and promote women's empowerment in the UAE when no one was talking about it. GWES began as a small-scale celebration and has since spread throughout the world. "We organize quality events that touch hearts, change lives, and make a difference in each and every event we undertake, and this is what distinguishes us from other events companies in the country. We focus on social awareness events, women empowerment, girls’ empowerment, youth empowerment, and recognition of self-made people," Uychoco said at a press conference held hours before the Global Women Empowerment Icons 2022: Gala and Awards Night at the majestic Grand Ballroom of Okada Manila.
Global game changer speaker, Cory Quirino
One of the honorees this year is Socorro Alicia Rastrollo Quirino, also known as Cory Quirino, a Global Game Changer speaker. Currently serving as the president and national director of Mutya Pilipinas, Quirino is a Filipino television host, author, and advocate for health, wellness, and beauty. a former national director and licensee for Miss World Philippines and Mister World Philippines. She is also a council member of one of the Philippine Red Cross's regional offices. Since February 2018, she has served as president of Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC). Quirino received the Global Women Empowerment Icons 2022 Award in the Beauty and Wellness Category.
Goodwill-inspirational speaker, The Princess of Bahrain, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Khalifa Al Khalifa
A woman who believes in empowering women and young people by supporting their abilities and inventions has joined GWES with a message of goodwill and inspiration. The Princess of Bahrain, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Khalifa Al Khalifa, traveled all the way from the Middle East to support and empower the global event because she believes in empowering women by encouraging them in nurturing their energy and turning it into constructive actions that will enable them to serve their communities.
Sheikha Jawaher was present at the GWES opening ceremony in Davao last September 24-25 before attending the Manila conference and the awards event in Okada.
Global Women Empowerment Icons 2022 - Business Leadership, Mariam Zakaria
One of this year's Global Women Empowerment Icons 2022 - Business Leadership Category is Mariam Zakaria. A self-driven female entrepreneur who builds and develops private business entities. She owns an accounting firm and collaboratively manages an agricultural-based company. Leadership has always been a crucial component in her pursuit of achievement because she was born the eldest of 7 siblings. Mariam was brought up in a home that valued hard work and moral character; her parents served as excellent examples. Mariam was introduced to honesty and diligence from a young age through her industrious and committed father, a General Manager at Petronas in Malaysia, and she got unwavering support from her devoted mother throughout her entire life.
GWES recognizes Mariam's active participation in humanitarian activities and the establishment of a non-profit organization as an initiative to reach out to society, particularly the underprivileged communities, flying all the way from Malaysia to empower, support, and inspire women.
GWES Speaker, Powerful Asian Entrepreneurs, Krizzia Ann Loyang Tanabe
Krizzia Ann Loyang Tanabe, a former OFW, is GWES speaker in the Powerful Asian Entrepreneurs. Krizzia is not your typical CEO; she is a passionate and highly motivated young businesswoman with a big and bold vision for the Philippines.
Krizzia is from Northern Samar and was raised in a humble nipa hut in a remote barrio by her grandparents. Krizzia, a woman with big dreams, did not let her circumstances hold her back. Krizzia, a multitalented and consistent honor student, earned her Broadcasting Communication degree from the University of Makati on a scholarship and graduated with honors while working at Jollibee Corporation, the Philippines' largest fast-food chain.
She quickly ascended the ranks and eventually assumed managerial positions while working as an OFW in Singapore. There, she gained valuable experience and knowledge that would later prepare her for the role of CEO of her own company, I Franchise Business Services Corp., which she founded in 2014.
Taking inspiration from her humble beginnings and drawing on her life experiences, she envisioned using her company to assist other OFWs and Filipinos by providing them with the opportunity to grow their investments and become successful entrepreneurs themselves.
In Davao, the Global Women Empowerment Summit included an Art and Craft Exhibition. The GWES Manila Conference “Local Meets Global” was held last October 1 at The Tent, Enderun in BGC, Taguig City, with a full day session of powerful keynotes, powerhouse women panels and business showcase. Guest speakers include Jazman Shahar Abdollah, Group CEO of Kenaf Venture Global, who is determined to promote green culture through kenaf cultivation and the products derived from the versatile crop that can be incorporated in various industries, combat carbon footprint, and help nurture sustainability for the global community. KVG is one of the Global Women Empowerment Summit 2021 in Philippines 2022's major sponsors.
GWES has substantially focused on re-centering women's issues and rights for the new decade. To provide a focal forum to share women's inspiring journey, knowledge, and opinions on issues and vision while offering a gamut of interactive platforms, active network group and group panel discussions.
Follow GWES on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/globalwomenempowermentsummit to know more about their journey and schedule of events.