On Saturday, March 26, 2022, Senator Risa Hontiveros met with Filipina leaders at the Astbury in Poblacion, Makati to discuss the most pressing issues facing them as women’s month drew to a close. The female leaders in attendance at this Women’s Leadership Summit were diverse, spanning corporate, entrepreneurship, small business, social impact, startups, academe, media, and more.
The Women’s Leadership Summit was anchored by a fireside chat with Senator Hontiveros facilitated by Katya Lichauco, the editor of Big Deal and co-author of Fearless Filipinas II, two books that discuss women’s issues and celebrate female empowerment.
In addition to her role as policymaker and advocate, Hontiveros also shared insights from her perspective as an author. In late 2021, she published Healthy Buhay, Happy Mama: Risa Hontiveros’ Journey through Motherhood with Bookshelf PH, a publishing house in the Philippines focused on helping authors and brands with everything from self-publishing to printing.
She again reiterated the challenges of work-life balance as a career woman and mother, this time emphasizing the role of government to help on this front. She pointed to the two most recent bills she passed – one which raised the age of consent law from 12 to 16, and the other which made it easier for people to adopt – as examples of how the government can help women and families.
Despite these recent successes, Hontiveros was not content to rest on her laurels.
“There is still so much to do for women and our families. That’s why it’s important to look at women’s month not only as a stand-alone celebration but as an occasion to stop and set the agenda for the rest of the year. We must advance these issues year-round, so our women get the support we deserve,” said Hontiveros.
In keeping with this principle, the fireside chat was followed by an open forum during which Hontiveros engaged in discussion with the women in attendance. These women were selected on account of their leadership in their respective fields, ensuring that the vibrant discussion could also translate into action. Many also served as leaders in various women’s organizations, which would amplify the discussion even further.
Hontiveros was grateful for the open forum.
“Improving the condition of women will always be a multisectoral effort. We need the government to enact solutions, industry to help execute them, and the media to spotlight other areas for improvement. Based on the quality of the discussion at this Women’s Leadership Summit, it’s clear we can achieve the high-level collaboration to make the Philippines a world-class example of female representation, inclusion, and advancement,” said Hontiveros.
In addition to author Risa Hontiveros, Healthy Buhay, Happy Mama was made possible through editor-in-chief Mio Borromeo, executive editor Pancho Dizon, deputy editorial director Kyle Nate, managing editor Sam Balinado, copyeditor Monica Padillo, research consultant Monette Quiogue, and layout artist Josephine Daluz, and Bookshelf PH, which helps authors, thought leaders, and brands with media relations, social media marketing, content marketing, and other creative services.
Hontiveros’ book can be ordered here: https://bookshelf.com.ph/pages/healthy-buhay-happy-mama
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