On March 6, 2026, SM Supermalls hosted the 2026 International Women’s Day Summit at Samsung Hall of SM Aura Premier. Carrying the theme “The Future is Hers: Lead. Create. Thrive.,” the event gathered empowered women from various industries to share their insights and experiences.

The summit spotlighted conversations on digital transformation, mental health, and business growth, underscoring the growing role of women in shaping industries and communities today. Here are some of the lessons shared by the inspiring women who took part in the summit.

For the longest time, women carried the weight of pressure about being perfect in many aspects, most especially in their careers. They tend to work extra hard to prove their worth. But for Jessica "Jica" Sy, vice president and head of Design, Innovation, and Strategy at SM Development Corporation, what matters most is to approach everything with sincerity and authenticity.

“To have an impactful career, be true to yourself and do everything that you do with a heart,” Jica says. “It’s not about being perfect but about being there. To young women who want to be in whichever career or business they choose, I hope you inspire others with your own genuine selves.”

Working under the spotlight, actress Gabbi Garcia knows for a fact that staying true to yourself is more important than pleasing everyone. In order to not get lost, always remind yourself to stay rooted.

“You need to know your purpose in your life. Always go back to your core on why you want to do the things that you want to do,” Gabbi muses. “Also, you have to be grounded. I know the world can be overwhelming right now with social media and the pressure, but you have to remind yourself to be grounded.”

In a society that tends to pit women against each other, Hanna Carinna Sy, SM Supermalls assistant vice president for Marketing and Leasing, reminds everyone to break the stereotype. Women are not your competition—they are your allies, your collaborators, and your source of inspiration.

“To young women today, I leave you three pieces of advice I wish I knew when I was your age. Find a mentor who challenges you and truly believes in you. Advocate for yourself because no one can read your mind, and never be afraid to use your voice,” Hanna advises. “It matters more than you think—when women support each other, when we step forward even while we’re still figuring things out, when real change happens. So let’s keep showing up, let’s keep lifting each other, and let’s keep choosing courage together. Because when we rise, we don’t rise alone, we rise together.”

It is hard to believe that even to this day, we still talk about gender equality and inclusivity, but the fact that we must reminds us how much work still lies ahead. That is something Lenlen Mesina, UN Women Country Programme coordinator, highlighted during the summit.

“Gender equality is just a women’s issue,” Lenlen notes. “This is not a side agenda. It is not optional. It is about effectiveness, sustainability, and justice. Communities thrive when women thrive. Institutions perform better when leadership is inclusive and gender responsive. Development is stronger when no one is left behind.”

Lastly, women should never forget to permit themselves to recharge and prioritize their health. Women often give so much and let their well-being take a backseat. Cat Triviño, MindNation co-founder, took the opportunity to remind ladies that caring for yourself is never selfish, but it allows them to show up fully in every role they play.

“Please know that you are worthy. We are human beings, not human doings. You, by yourself, as a being, you’re already worthy of love, of care, of great wellbeing,” Cat explains. “It’s something that you do not have to prove to anyone. And I hope that you take care of yourself.”

From embracing imperfection and staying grounded to lifting each other up and championing gender equality, the lessons shared by these inspiring women serve as a call to action: lead with purpose, care for yourself, and support others along the way. Because when women thrive, everyone thrives.