In honor of International Women’s Day (IWD), the Philippine Commission on Women, in collaboration with UN Women and venue partner SM Supermalls, hosted a forum under the theme "Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress" on March 8, 2024, at the Samsung Hall, SM Aura, Taguig City.
This year’s IWD conversation covered crucial topics such as poverty alleviation, institutional strengthening, and gender-inclusive financing. The guests included the UN Resident Coordinator in the Philippines Gustavo González, Philippine Commission on Women Officer-in-Charge Atty. Khay Ann C. Magundayao-Borlado, and She Loves Tech co-founder Leanne Robers.
The focal point of the IWD event was the exploration of financing through a gender lens and the impact of Gender and Development (GAD) budget initiatives. Distinguished panelists from various key government agencies shared invaluable insights, shedding light on strategies to address poverty and enhance institutional support with a gender perspective.
In addition to governmental efforts, a session also spotlighted the initiatives of United Nations agencies and development partners aimed at empowering and enabling women in alignment with Sustainable Development Goals. This holistic approach underscored the importance of collaborative action in driving progress towards gender equality.
Furthermore, discussions delved into the pivotal role of technology in advancing women’s empowerment, particularly for entrepreneurs. The exploration highlighted how businesses could leverage technology to bridge gender gaps and promote social change, ranging from corporate social responsibility initiatives to sustainable business practices.
A particular emphasis was placed on gender-inclusive financing and exploring innovative ways to combat poverty through technology, specifically focusing on finance technology and ICT. Experts provided insights into leveraging technology to empower women economically while addressing the risks of fraud and scams, ensuring the safety and security of financial transactions.
The International Women’s Day event at SM Supermalls seeks to catalyze action toward a more inclusive and equitable society by amplifying the voices of women and harnessing the power of collaboration across sectors. Through these discussions and initiatives, the celebration of International Women’s Day became a call to action towards a future where women's empowerment is at the forefront of progress.
To know more about SM Supermalls’ Women’s Month initiatives, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media.