GUEST COLUMNIST

The discussion surrounding women’s empowerment is wide-ranging and deep with layers of many truths. It involves diverse issues and opportunities that impact the lives of women across the globe. From addressing systemic barriers to promoting women’s rights in various spheres of society, the dialogue delves into complex socio-economic, cultural, and political dynamics.

Feminism encompasses advocating for policies and initiatives that enhance women’s access to education, healthcare, economic resources, and leadership roles, while also challenging harmful stereotypes, discriminatory practices, and unequal power dynamics that hinder their advancement.

The conversation often intersects with broader movements for social justice, human rights, and sustainable development, highlighting the interconnectedness of gender equality with subjects like poverty alleviation, environmental sustainability, and peacebuilding. Woman empowerment is indeed an ongoing and ever-evolving endeavor.

The United Nations (UN) Women would annually convene a high-level panel of diverse leaders, representatives of civil society organizations, experts, and activists, to deliberate on how social protection can be harnessed to promote gender equality. The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) summit is held every March, at the UN headquarters in New York.

This year, the Department of Budget and Management Secretary Mina F. Pangandaman is the head delegate of the Philippines for the 68th CSW. I am honored to support Secretary Mina in representing our country at the ongoing summit in New York in what is considered the UN’s most significant gathering on women’s empowerment.

As part of the entourage, taking part in the activities and talks with the diplomats, I found that it is easy to get lost in all the technicalities involved in defining and crafting policies that would empower women. There are the finer details, of course, but I believe it is equally vital to look at the bigger picture. We tend to forget the fundamentals, the basic principles that could potentially help address complicated problems like gender inequality.
While studies show that a woman’s leadership abilities equal that of a man’s, yet there are stereotypes that continue to persist. For instance, to be tough is to be strong and emotionless, especially when struggling and facing challenges. But truth be told, real strength lies in the ability to have empathy for others. Behind all the measures and laws is the overarching virtue of kindness.

This personal realization was further magnified through my recent experiences with our Budget Secretary, who throughout our trip consistently demonstrated genuine kindness toward me and others.

Upon discovering that I was feeling unwell after the flight arriving in America, she promptly extended her consolation and advised me to prioritize taking care of myself. In another instance, Secretary Mina, standing on the sidewalk, told me to rest under the shade as she, herself will help look if our vehicle is already approaching.

I believe Secretary Mina has been gifted with this innate kindness—always ready to show compassion and extend a helping hand to anyone, all the time, especially in moments when another person requires it most. Her friends and colleagues, particularly during her days as a staff of the late Senator Edgardo J. Angara or SEJA, could attest to this.

Secretary Mina was the guiding light that the office of SEJA needed, especially to her closest friends Francine Sayoc, Raquel Perez, and Faye Condez-De Sagon, advising them to maintain professionalism and not to take their boss’ words too personally.

Among her current co-workers at the DBM, Undersecretary Leo Angelo Larcia underscores Secretary Mina’s peerless appeal. “Even though she says ‘no’ to you, you would still leave a conversation with her with a smile.” This proves that even in rejection, the Budget Secretary can manifest her kindness.
As an Undersecretary at the DBM, I too am very familiar with the unwavering kindness of Secretary Pangandaman. My boss constantly reminds me of the value of both establishing real relationships and the act of being kind to everyone. Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference, blessing both the giver and the receiver.

Last year, during a trip in Boracay, we were browsing through souvenir shops and Secretary Mina gave me a bracelet with “Be kind” engraved on it. She told me to give it to my daughter, Noya. Her gesture of kindness, no matter how small it may seem to be, meant the world to me. 
On the same trip, I also saw how Secretary Mina takes care of her parents. At dinner, Secretary Mina received a phone call from her assistant, reporting that her father was having chills. She rushed back to the resort to check on her dad. That weekend, the loving daughter would devote her time, whenever she can, to be with her parents.

Her past mentors and bosses too, like Senator Loren Legarda and Monetary Board member of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Benjamin Diokno, would affirm the tender heart and hard work that Secretary Mina showed. “She became my crutch, buttressing me when all seemed lost,” said Senator Legarda, referring to the time when Secretary Mina gave her assistance in having the Philippines represented at the Venice Biennale after a five-decade hiatus.
Despite facing criticism from a very few detractors, Secretary Mina consistently displays compassion and understanding towards them. Instead of responding with anger or defensiveness, she chooses to approach these situations with empathy and patience. 

I have always appreciated how Secretary Mina’s actions embody her disarming charm, anchored on her simplicity, humility, and compassion. I’ve come to better understand that true empowerment for women isn’t about putting on toughness but rather about recognizing the power of kindness in our interactions. It takes courage to be kind in a world that often seems harsh.

Kindness, far from being a weakness, is a testament to inner strength and resilience. The transformative influence of kindness is manifested by Sec. Mina.