#BabaeKa

The month of March marks the celebration of women’s welfare and advancement of gender equality. Entitled Pinay Power, this special National Project of JCI Philippines covers programs and activities under the theme: Babae: Katuwang ka sa Buhay, Bahay at Kaunlaran.

The all women chapter of JCI Manileña hosted an art and business fair entitled: “#BabaeKa”. The event showcased our local talents in the fields of art and entrepreneurship, appropriately highlighting women as the matriarch and nurturer of the family and having equal rights and opportunities. Powerful use of social media created a community online using the hashtag title of the event to create awareness and impact beyond the event’s physical reach. To make the event even more comprehensive in its celebration, several women organizations and individuals who embody the same values of women empowerment and equality were invited speak before the audience. The event took place at Miriam College Little Theater on March 29 2015 9am-2pm.

There were 38 attendees of the event, with a good mix of non-members and members of JCI. The following chapters were represented: JCI Manileña, JCI Manila, JCI Makati Princess Urduja, JCI Dambana, JCI San Juan Pinaglabanan, and JCI Marikina Marikit. 23 businesses were in attendance to showcase their products at the fair that filled the foyer of the Miriam College Little Theater. Product mix included books, clothes, accessories, gadgets, makeup/skincare, as well as food and beverage. The exhibit went on from 9am-2pm at the Miriam Little Theater foyer.

Life coach and author of “What’s Your Life’s Masterpiece”, Marianne Mencias, gave an inspiring talk about purpose and empowerment. She dared everyone to remain positive and set dreams and goals to reach one’s ultimate fulfillment thereby giving empowerment and a sense of purpose. She worked up the crowd with interactive discussions among the group that certainly was a good start to a morning of seminars.
On a more serious topic, Ms. Jean Enriquez, Executive Director of the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women – Asia Pacific (CATW-AP) shared the facts on their organization’s programs against trafficking in women, rightfully covering women’s rights and equality. She shared the hard realities of marginalized women – its root cause, present conditions and some successes against it. Despite the crowd being comprised of mostly women, she pointed out to men in the crowd the importance of their role as partners towards uplifting the status of some women who are being mistreated.
It was indeed a festive celebration of women – from knowing one’s purpose, empowerment, rights and equality, down to giving everyone a venue to showcase and exchange creative ideas and opportunities for business. #BabaeKa was a holistic celebration; one that could possibly be brought to greater heights for the following years to come.