A seasoned professional whose journey inspires mothers and women leaders, GCash Vice President for Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Gilda Maquilan, has not only ascended the ranks but also championed the cause of gender equality and empowerment that shaped the woman she is today and paved the way for others to thrive.

As part of the women’s month celebration, Gilda shares in an interview with Manila Bulletin her professional journey, the challenges she has faced as a working mother, and her advocacy for women in the workplace and the community.

Q: What type of leadership do you implement that you think makes your team members work efficiently and more productive? Can you tell us more about your professional journey leading to your current position? What characteristics and values should a person have to be able to achieve a status like yours?

I have been in the field of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs for almost 30 years. I rose from the ranks, starting as a researcher and production assistant in a broadcast network, and then I became a writer and social development program officer for the government and private sector. From there, I worked my way as a corporate communications, public affairs, and sustainability head for several publicly listed and highly-regulated companies from apparel manufacturing to retail, fast-moving consumer goods/beverages, and quick-service restaurants. My career journey continues with GCash, the leading finance app and largest cashless ecosystem, servicing more than 94 Million Filipinos across the world.

I am fortunate to have worked for progressive companies with mentors and leaders who allowed me to reach my full potential as a professional in this field. These experiences and the support of enabling leaders built a strong foundation for my current role. These have also helped me strengthen my advocacy for women and the community. Beyond my leadership role in the workplace, I am also passionate about helping other women. I am currently a member of the Center Advisory Committee of TESDA Women Center, the lead technical, vocational education, and training for Filipino women. I also volunteered to mentor women entrepreneurs of the Philippine Association of Stores and Carinderia Owners and Women Artisans of Tondo. At work and in the communities, I strive to give back as a mentor and enabling leader to pave the way for the next generation.

Q: What are the memorable challenges that you have faced in your professional journey? What strategies or initiatives have you found most effective in normalizing the breaking of the glass ceiling for women in various industries, and how do you believe these approaches can be further amplified or replicated for broader impact?

One of the great challenges for me was building my career at the same time I was starting my own family. The time my children were growing up and needing my attention, was also the time that my work life demanded more from me. At one point, I decided to stop working so I could take care of my family. My husband and mom encouraged me to go back to work. I was fortunate to have the full support of my family so I could pursue my career.

My situation as a mother, wife, and career woman is not different from many women. But not all women would get the same support and encouragement. Shared care work should be normalized. When starting a family, both men and women should know that both must work together to take care of their family. We must remove the stereotype that taking care of children and care work is the sole responsibility of the woman. Beyond education and change in mindsets about family and care work, there must be a policy to recognize or monetize unpaid care work by women.

Q: If there is one thing a successful woman should remember, what would it be and why? What would you like to say to all aspiring female leaders out there?

Risk or no risk, my advice to women is to take care of yourself so that you can take care of your families and loved ones. For women with partners, we need to ensure that our partners understand that building a family is a shared responsibility. Should one decide to stay at home and take care of their families, my advice is to ensure that you set aside income for shared care work. Set aside payment or reward for yourself.

My reminder to women leaders and aspiring women leaders, we must lift each other, be an advocate for each one's success, and pave the way for the next generation of women leaders.

Her journey highlights that an external support system is just as important as one’s ability to do things alone to develop strength and resilience and that women with children can also have careers. As a mother and a leader, Gilda has defied stereotypes and paved the way for other women to thrive in their professional journey.