Manila, Philippines — 1 out of 4 or 25% of Filipinos, aged 15-49, is revealed to have experienced some form of violence during the ongoing health crisis. This includes verbal abuse, which has become a hidden battle faced by most women regularly.
Verbal abuse can often be confusing not just for the survivors but also for the abusers because it manifests differently — gaslighting, judging, blaming, name-calling, condescension, and verbal threats, among others.
“Violence in the homes is not ‘away pamilya’ and is everybody’s concern,” says GWAVE Executive Director, Sheema Bajana-Samson. “People should be vigilant and watch out for signs of abuse through what is heard verbally and body language as well.”
GWAVE is one of many non-government organizations and independent agencies that helps rescue survivors by offering legal assistance and rehabilitation.
“We have survivors also accompany their fellow survivors in hearings, and they do home visitations to other survivors as a form of moral support towards each other,” continues Bajana-Samson. “We’re happy to share that we now have many survivors who are emotionally and psychologically ready to become advocates themselves.”
In celebration of International Women’s Month, and the advocacy to build a better world for women, Avon sounds the call to #SpeakOut, take a stand and be more self-aware to help others fight verbal and other forms of abuse.
Based on a global study of more than eight thousand women in eight countries, including the Philippines, found that one in five women are consistently subjected to verbal abuse by an intimate partner. Nearly two in five respondents aged 25-34 are experiencing potential signs of verbal abuse within their relationship – the highest amongst the age groups.
Avon Philippines PR and Communications Head, Marion Limlengco wants to encourage more Filipinos to join dialogues and be more aware of this silent battle that has been affecting more women than actually perceived. “Filipinas are very resilient women, but it turns out, there are some of us who are going through such invisible battles and we don’t even know it. That is why we are tapping a platform where we can freely discuss this issue with no holds barred while still centering on positivity and freedom of expression.”
Avid podcast listeners can also look forward to collaborations with popular podcasts such as:
Adulting with Joyce Pring, (March 25 via Spotify)
Camp Confidence Radio Podcast with Ayn Bernos and Rizza Lana-Sebastian, (March 30 via Spotify and YouTube)
The Eve’s Drop Podcast feat. Delamar Arias, Monica Francesca Tobias, and Gelli Victor with special guest, Ms. Universe 2015 and Avon Intimate Apparel ambassador, Pia Wurtzbach (March 30 via Spotify)
Everyone is also invited to catch Avon’s collaboration with the livestreaming app, Kumu, where viewers can enjoy talks, performances, and fun challenges — all to foster awareness of verbal abuse and raise funds on behalf of Avon’s partner organizations that help abuse survivors. Here’s the full lineup:
#SpeakOut Dialogues with Women (March 25 via @kumunityheroes)
#Speakout Kumunity Challenge (March 28 to April 3)
#SpeakOut Fundraising Livestream (March 30)
#SpeakOut Dialogues For All (April 4 via @kumunityheroes)
“Through these fundraising efforts, we hope to spark courage and reinforce a sense of community so that no one could feel alone or neglected in their individual battles. It’s time we shed light on this invisible crisis and we can effectively do that only if and when we #SpeakOut,” concludes Limlengco.
It’s time to redefine a culture where everyone becomes more accountable for the words being said so that no form of abuse — verbal or otherwise — will be tolerated nor pushed against others.
Follow Avon Philippines on Facebook and Instagram for more updates on the scheduled dates of all podcasts and Kumu livestreams and join the dialogues against Verbal Abuse. Shop for your favorite Avon products at www.avonshop.ph or contact your local Avon representative.
About Avon
Avon has been doing beauty differently for 135 years. Avon is a company that connects people, using the power of beauty to transform lives for the better. Millions of independent sales Representatives across the world sell iconic Avon brands through their social networks, building their own beauty businesses on a full- or part-time basis. Avon stands for gender equality, and we believe in listening to women’s needs, speaking out about issues that matter, and creating positive change. Through Avon and the Avon Foundation, we’ve donated over $1.1billion, with a focus on tackling gender violence and breast cancer. Avon is part of the Natura &Co Group. Learn more at www.avonworldwide.com.
There is no better time than National Women’s Month to highlight the ever-increasing role of women in shaping Philippine society in general and the business world in particular.
In the Philippines’ male-dominated corporate world, a woman named Rosemarie P. Rafael has been breaking stereotypes and challenging the big boys since the 1980s. In 1985, Mrs. Rafael founded Airspeed, one of the leading logistics solutions and express courier companies in the country. Airspeed is a company that reflects Ms. Rafael’s values and beliefs as a woman, a mother, and a leader. Being Airspeed’s Chairman and President and a true advocate of women, Ms. Rafael chose to empower women at Airspeed because she believes women are naturally nurturing. She knows that when people are supported and enabled, they can do great and impossible things.
These three women executives of Airspeed – together with the management team, envisioned to help propel the company to greater heights and, in the process, make the company better and reach success.
Anna Lyn Discaya is the new Chief Administrative Officer under Airspeed Group of Companies Holding Corp. In her new role, Ann will be in charge of managing and overseeing the company’s Administrative Group which comprises the Human Resources Team, Procurement Team, Security Group, Legal and Compliance Team, and Administrative Maintenance.
Claudette ‘Claude’ Lucasan-Canta is the new Chief Supply Chain Officer and will oversee the supply chain solutions design, warehouse operational processes, distribution, procedures, and work process flow of all companies under the holdings group. She is tasked to align with different business unit heads on the requirements of prospects and accounts, as well as the review of onboarding processes of each account. Claude will also help define the goals and programs for each of the business’s operation units and review financial projections per cost module for new and existing businesses.
Liza Fallar-Marquez, the Chief Information Technology Officer, leads the Management Information System Department. Liza has been with Airspeed for 23 years and has made sure to establish and direct strategic long-term goals, policies, and procedures for their information technology department. She leads the implementation of new IT Systems by adopting new technology platforms to improve the client experience, as well as monitor changes in the technology sector to discover ways the company can improve and develop its IT Infrastructure.
In closing off National Women’s Month, Airspeed is committed to paying tribute to females by entrusting them with extraordinary roles as trailblazers and forerunners of change. In shining the spotlight on women, Airspeed is confident it can attain greater success for many more years to come.
In this time of Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ), some of us might have already felt the urge to think of ways we can lend a helping hand. When the opportunity to assist came knocking on the doors of some ordinary, everyday women like Marielle Solomon, Sarah Jane de la Rosa, Pia Alviola, Melissa Olit, and Angela Espinosa, they embraced the chance to help and made things happen!
They have been voluntarily and wholeheartedly taking on tasks of providing food, sourcing relief goods, creating PPEs, and mobilizing resources for Filipinos in the COVID-harm’s way. They didn’t think twice to go out of their comfort zones to share a part of themselves and be a light to others.
Marielle Solomon
Marielle Solomon is a marketing professional who currently spends most of her time around volunteers like herself in Siargao Community Kitchen to ease the plight of families on the island whose source of income has been affected by COVID-19.
At present, they have provided over 4,000 food packs, staying true to the belief that the community starts with sharing. Through her efforts, Marielle is just one of the women who bring light to the island of Siargao.
Sarah Jane dela Rosa
Student Sarah Jane de la Rosa’s light has truly radiated throughout the Metro. She has proven that being a differently-abled person is not and will never be a hindrance if you put your heart in the service of a solid cause.
A volunteer at the Barangay Holy Spirit Person with Disabilities Association, Sarah who is afflicted with cerebral palsy, ably leads her team as their President in providing relief packages in the area. As of today, the association has provided much-needed help to more than 1,000 PWD’s and their families.
Angela Lapinosa
Through a drive called RICEaboveCOVID, Angela Lapinosa, one of the lead organizers of the initiative, has illuminated the city of Cebu with her generosity and service.
At the Cebu Institute of Technology, Angela is known as a student leader. But for the two hundred beneficiaries of the cause she represents, Angela is one to remember only with the kindest of words.
The young ones also acknowledge her as someone who has shed light on their lives and has given them hope for being the project manager of “Para Kay Baby”, a project under RICEaboveCOVID that has allocated 100 relief goods to the families of infants and children in her town.
Melissa Olit
In Puerto Princesa, Melissa Olit, the founder of Chef Aiza’s Community has seen to it that her community in Palawan is given the proper nutrition and sustenance they need.
From front liners to students, and even to hard-working construction workers stranded on the island, Melissa has made sure the food she prepares and delivers are sourced from local farmers to sustain their livelihood.
Over the course of bringing light to front liners and local farmers, her group has already served more than 5,000 food packs.
Project Love PPE and Masks has produced and donated over 1,500 masks and 600 PPEs in various hospitals. This initiative is the brainchild of Pia Alviola, a Fashion Designer based in Makati City, who has found a way to bring the light among our healthcare front-liners the best way she knows how, through her skills, and her desire to not only provide a source of income for her team of seamstresses and tailors but also to be an instrument of providing protection in these times.
These five extraordinary women have truly become light-bearers in their communities for serving as volunteers who through their service and heart, have greatly contributed to the common good. Like these women, SkinWhite has always believed that anyone can#BeTheLight especially in times of uncertainty. Every effort no matter how small can have a considerable amount of good especially to those who are in need. Let us continue inspiring and encouraging these women by supporting their causes, as we too can be the light in our own ways.
Here are ways to reach Marielle, Sarah, Pia, Melissa, and Angela as we make these challenging times lighter!
Siargao Community Kitchen – +63 939 883 4033 | visit their Siargao Community Kitchen on Instagram and Facebook page
Barangay Holy Spirit Person with Disabilities Association – Sarah de la Rosa
Project Love PPE and Masks – Pia Alviola
Chef Aiza’s Community – Melissa Olit, Community Kitchen’s page, or Chef Aiza’s Community on Instagram
RICEaboveCOVID – Cebuano Youth Ambassadors, Inc. Lapinosa
Gender inclusiveness and women empowerment are areas of focus in the workplace. A growing number of women are assuming leadership positions in varying industries.
In the business process outsourcing or BPO space, Concentrix is at the forefront of empowering women for growth and leadership. Headquartered in the United States with operations around the world, the multinational company implemented a program called Concentrix NOW (Network of Women), an initiative that can serve as a model for other BPO firms and other businesses.
Through multi-dimensional development activities, including local events, speed mentoring and leadership courses, Concentrix NOW supports various programs that help women highlight their skills and move their careers forward. While the program focuses on providing support and inspiration for women, all staff are welcome to take advantage of the opportunities it provides.
Across the global network, Concentrix staff in the Philippines have taken the lead in executing this effort.
Jyllene Miller, Senior Vice President
“Concentrix Philippines has done an incredible amount of work to help develop our initiative and was one of the first regions to adopt and embrace this movement in Concentrix,” said Jyllene Miller, senior vice president, marketing and client engagement strategy.
“We have a very high percentage of women here. This is one of our larger countries, and the momentum that has developed is fantastic.”
Concentrix NOW activities in the Philippines include gender equality symposiums, self-defense training, and personal finance management.
“We’ve taken a lot of the best practices of NOW from the Philippines and integrated them into the Americas, Europe, and India as well,” Jyllene said.
“We are able to continually identify what can be applied to the rest of the world thus creating a center of excellence and shared best practice process.”
When asked why it’s vital for a company like Concentrix to invest in something like NOW, and if there have been any material benefits to the company’s operations or even the bottom line, Jyllene said, “It’s important as a global organization to ensure that we continually foster a culture where everyone has a voice and equal opportunity. We’re proud of our overall diversity and inclusion initiatives, and we witness daily how they benefit our people, our business, and our clients.”
When employees are given a voice, they bring valuable insights forward with regards to how to serve clients and clients’ customer better, how to be a better business, and how to meet the needs of employees in different ways, all resulting in the rapid growth and development of the organization.
This shows how Concentrix provides a working environment that nurtures people for succession and next level of their careers.
“We’re seeing an exciting energy present in our employee engagement,” Jyllene said. “It helps us propel forward. Connections between staff members are made across the world. More and more communication occurs to everyone’s benefit!”
Ultimately, Concentrix NOW is all about a movement geared towards employee development while continuing to foster diversity and inclusion within Concentrix.
“As company, we are only as good as the people that are in it,” Jyllene said. “Developing people — their skills, their perspectives, and the ability to understand different cultures — and by helping our staff broaden their knowledge base and think differently to solve problems differently, that benefits everybody.”
About Concentrix
Concentrix, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SYNNEX Corporation (NYSE: SNX), is a leading business services company. We focus on customer engagement and improving business outcomes for over 450 global clients across many continents. Our 100,000+ staff deliver technology-infused, omni-channel customer experience management, marketing optimization, digital, consulting, analytics and back office solutions in 40+ languages from 125+ delivery centers.
We serve automotive; banking and financial services; insurance; healthcare; technology; consumer electronics; media and communications; retail and e-commerce; travel and transportation; and energy and public sector clients. Visit www.concentrix.com to learn more.
About SYNNEX
SYNNEX Corporation is a Fortune 500 corporation and a leading business process services company, providing a comprehensive range of distribution, logistics and integration services for the technology industry and providing outsourced services focused on customer engagement strategy to a broad range of enterprises.
SYNNEX distributes a broad range of information technology systems and products and also provides systems design and integration solutions. Concentrix, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SYNNEX Corporation, offers a portfolio of strategic solutions and end-to-end business services around customer engagement strategy, process optimization, technology innovation, front and back-office automation and business transformation to clients in ten identified industry verticals.
Founded in 1980, SYNNEX Corporation operates in numerous countries throughout North and South America, Asia Pacific and Europe. Additional information about SYNNEX may be found online at www.synnex.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
Statements in this news release that are forward-looking involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may cause the Company’s actual results in future periods to be materially different from any future performance that may be suggested in this release. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release.
Copyright 2018 Concentrix Corp. All rights reserved.
SYNNEX and CONCENTRIX are registered trademarks of SYNNEX Corporation, used under permission. Reg. U.S. Pat. & Tm. Off. DIFFERENT BY DESIGN is a trademark of Concentrix Corp. Other names and marks are the property of their respective owners.
Nearly 500 participants gathered for the 3rd Women’s Summit recently organized by Viviamo! Inc., the company behind Belle De Jour (BDJ) Power Planner.
3rd women’s summit audience
With the theme “Women Redefined”, this year’s event aimed to equip millennials with encouraging messages from strong female role models who are redefining the society’s standards for women.
Darlyn Sandra Ty-Nilo, President of Viviamo Inc.
“Our society has constantly bombarded today’s women – especially the millennials – with unrealistic standards regarding beauty and career, making it hard for them to find themselves and lead an authentic life. Through the Women’s Summit, Viviamo! Inc. hopes to empower them as they pursue fulfillment while being true to their identity,” shared BDJ founder Darlyn Ty-Nilo.
At the summit, guests were treated to inspiring talks and fun activities at the Samsung Hall of SM Aura Premier. The day began with a keynote speech by Ty-Nilo, who talked about the importance of claiming one’s success.
“To own up to your success is not a form of bragging, rather a means to realize that all the sweat and tears that you put into your job are making a difference,” she said, adding, “Women should learn to acknowledge their achievements so that they can inspire others to reach for their dreams.”
Resilient Females
From L-R: Host Janeena Chan; president of Viviamo, Inc. Darlyn Sandra Ty-Nilo; PinoyAkoBlog.com author Jover Laurio; co-founder and CTO of Cropital Rachel De Villa; and Viviamo Inc. marketing manager Allyssa Legaspi at the 3rd Women’s Summit held last March 11, 2018, at the Samsung Hall, SM Aura.
Rachel de Villa, Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Cropital, a multi-awarded crowdfunding platform for Filipino farmers
Meanwhile, Rachel de Villa, co-founder and chief technology officer of Cropital, opened the first plenary session entitled Resilient Females, which focused on overcoming one’s circumstances and maximizing one’s blessings.
De Villa shared that she has always considered herself a problem solver, so she developed Cropital when she found the opportunity to help Filipino farmers access financial support. Through Cropital, anyone can provide farmers with funds for proper equipment and training from agriculture experts.
Jover Laurio, author of pinoyakoblog.com
For her part, PinoyAkoBlog.com owner Jover Laurio continues to publish critical articles on the country’s political situation, despite the relentless cyberbullying and death threats. Laurio has drawn flak for being outspoken in her fight against fake news.
Her story moved many people in the audience (and continued to receive ridicule from several people on social media). It isn’t just fake news. Her outspokenness about her political views and her chutz-pah in going after political figures, big and small, have landed her in the proverbial hot water more times than she could count. But she always stood by her convictions.
Courageous Females
From L-R: Host Janeena Chan; president of Viviamo, Inc. Darlyn Sandra Ty-Nilo; Singer, TV host and Alopecia Areata advocate Abby Asistio, airine pilot Blu Bingoy; and Viviamo Inc. marketing manager Allyssa Legaspi at the 3rd Women’s Summit held last March 11, 2018, at the Samsung Hall, SM Aura.
At the second plenary dubbed Courageous Females, resource speakers talked about living their authentic selves and defying expectations regarding women’s roles in the society.
Blu Pingoy, Cebu Pacific Air pilot
Blu Pingoy, for instance, courageously pursued her dream of becoming a pilot, a job usually taken on by males. With her persistence, Pingoy became one of the first few female commercial pilots in the country.
Abby Asistio, singer, songwriter, host, and Alopecia Awareness advocate
As someone who suffered from alopecia or hair loss at an early age, she encouraged women to embrace their uniqueness and get over their insecurities.
“Even if society says kailangan long hair para maging girly ka, eh hindi ako long-haired eh. Dapat manggaling sa sarili ko na, okay lang kahit hindi long hair, maganda pa ako with short hair. Just be open to embracing your own uniqueness.”
During her talk, she showed this video to the audience to show us her struggle with alopecia and fitting in and wearing wigs for most of her life.
She ended her talk by singing this song to the audience live and, at some point, unplugged.
What an inspiration.
Resourceful Females
From L-R: Host Janeena Chan; president of Viviamo, Inc. Darlyn Sandra Ty-Nilo; Sinaya cup founder and owner Audrey Tangonan; Rumarocket, Inc. owner Kathleen Yu; and Viviamo Inc. marketing manager Allyssa Legaspi at the 3rd Women’s Summit held last March 11, 2018, at the Samsung Hall, SM Aura.
Aside from promoting resilience and courage, the summit also stressed the value of paving one’s path and sustaining success in the third plenary session called Resourceful Females, featuring businesswomen Audrey Tangonan and Kathleen Yu.
Audrey Tangonan, Founder and Managing Director of menstrual cups business called ‘Sinaya Cups’
Starting a business is risky, but Sinaya Cup founder Audrey Tangonan persevered because she believed that her idea can genuinely improve people’s lives. Now, her menstrual cup business has attained massive success locally and internationally.
Kathleen Yu, Founder of Rumarocket, Inc. a Manila-based tech start-up that uses assessments and predictive analytics to help companies find and develop their IT talents
Kathleen Yu, the owner of Manila-based tech start-up Rumarocket Inc., also shared the moving story of her business.
From the initial failures, Kathleen resolved to learn from mistakes and bounce back. “As long as I was alive, I could always change and grow and learn and become different,” she said.
These speakers’ thoughts echo the women’s advocacy of Belle De Jour, which has always aimed to empower modern Filipina women by equipping them with knowledge, confidence, and self-appreciation. As Ty-Nilo explains, “We hope to help build a world where women are bound not by societal expectations, but by their vision of who they really want to be.”
The 3rd BDJ Women’s Summit was co-presented by Chinoy TV, Lipault, and Sun Life Financial. Major sponsors include Food Panda, Modess, Wacoal, GCash, Style Genie, Biore, Caronia, Celeteque, Cinnabon, Fitness Gourmet, Jergens, Jollibee, Kipling, Liese, MegRhythm, Parisian Shoes and Bags, Serenitea, Zenutrients, Features and Shades, and Award Extremes Inc.
Ace Water Spa, Chef Tony, Frankie’s, Goldilocks, and McDonald’s provided loot bags and raffle prizes, while Adobo Magazine, Rappler, and When in Manila served as media partners.
Avid podcast listeners can also look forward to collaborations with popular podcasts such as:
People are also encouraged to support the cause through our fundraising items like the #SpeakOut Avon True Color Lipstick, Women Empowerment Umbrella, Evita Watch (in cream and old rose), and Self-love Accessory set available on avonshop.ph where part of the proceeds will be donated to partner organizations including Gender Watch Against Violence and Exploitation (GWAVE), Ing Makababaying Aksyon (IMA) Foundation, and Luna Legal Resources Center for Women and Children.
Marielle Solomon is a marketing professional who currently spends most of her time around volunteers like herself in Siargao Community Kitchen to ease the plight of families on the island whose source of income has been affected by COVID-19.
Student Sarah Jane de la Rosa’s light has truly radiated throughout the Metro. She has proven that being a differently-abled person is not and will never be a hindrance if you put your heart in the service of a solid cause.
Through a drive called RICEaboveCOVID, Angela Lapinosa, one of the lead organizers of the initiative, has illuminated the city of Cebu with her generosity and service.
In Puerto Princesa, Melissa Olit, the founder of Chef Aiza’s Community has seen to it that her community in Palawan is given the proper nutrition and sustenance they need.
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