Because Business is No Longer Just a Man’s World

Not too long ago, a woman’s place is in the house – running the household and taking care of the needs of the children and her husband.  Then as times changed, she slowly began to learn and enjoy her rights and work for the accomplishment of her dreams.  Presently, although women are still struggling to “break the glass ceiling,” whether in corporate or in business, a big number have been recognized for their exemplary efforts in growing their own businesses.

The SGV Foundation and the Women’s Business Council of the Philippines (WBCP) jointly published a book that celebrates and honors the achievements of the Philippines’ top women entrepreneurs.  Launch recently, the book titled Aspirations & Inspirations: Filipino Women Entrepreneurs by Jessica Zafra features the 42 women winners and finalists of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year (EOY) Philippines.

Reading the book will make you realize that the featured Filipina entrepreneurs are just like any other mother, daughter or sister who cared for their loved ones and did their duties and obligations to the family.  At the same time, the book will inspire you to attain your professional and personal achievements just as the women entrepreneurs did.  Their stories ranged from starting the business at home, continuing the legacy started by their parents, being pioneers of the industry, being married their business partners, switching careers, and to starting a social enterprise. 

Some of the featured women in the book are Lolita O. Hizon of Pampanga’s Best, Julita P. Urbina of Café Laguna, Mary Joy Canon-Abaquin of Multiple Intelligence International School, Socorro C. Ramos of National Book Store, Amelia D. Manas of Bruno’s Barbers, Gemma N. Bulos of A Single Drop for Safe Water, and Marianne G. Quebral for Venture for Fund Raising, among others.  Their businesses survived trials and grew to have great impact to the economy and to the society, touching many lives in the process.

WBCP President Chit Juan, author Jessica Zafra and WBCP Chair Boots Garcia

The book launch is one of the activities in celebration of the 10^th year anniversary of the Entrepreneur Of The Year Philippines program, where The Woman Entrepreneur Of The Year award has been a vital part of.  With the belief that women entrepreneurs have a special gift, EOY Program Director Atty. Antonette Tionko has this to say,” Aside from having innate business sense, these women also show the power of compassion.  They have the ability to understand people and work within the dynamics of family, business and society.  The abilities of these women entrepreneurs are beyond question; but it may be their capacity for caring that makes them even better at what they do.”

On the other hand, the Women’s Business Council or WomenBizPH, headed by its Chair Ma. Aurora D. Geotina-Garcia and President Pacita U. Juan, will bring the books to the international conferences its members regularly attend or are invited to for speaking engagements.  Many WomenBizPH members are also Entrepreneur Of The Year Philippines winners and finalists and they are also featured in the book.


This article was also published in HerWord.com 
http://www.herword.com/unwind/main.php?id=aspirations_and_inspirations