Showcase on women entrepreneurs at SM exhibit
SOME $42 billion to $47 billion or P2.3 trillion are lost annually in the Asia-Pacific region, including the Philippines, due to women’s limited access to employment opportunities, according to the International Labor Organization.
This is the reason why the Australian Embassy in Manila and the SM Group through SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, have joined together to showcase the many products being produced by different women’s groups all over the Philippines to highlight the need to give them equal access to employment opportunities.
In celebration of International Women’s Day, Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Amanda Gorely led the opening of the exhibit and trade fair at the SM Aura in Taguig dubbed “Women Entrepreneurs: Building Stronger Communities” which showcases the products of the various women’s groups they are supporting.
Gorely said it is important that women are given employment opportunities because of the economic impact created by their limited access to job prospects.
She said a country’s economic success is determined on how well human capital is efficiently used and this should include women being given equal access to health, education, earning potential and decision-making power.
She said the Australian Embassy’s Direct Aid Program had provided monetary and technical grants to Filipino entrepreneurs to develop their skills and businesses.
“The Australian government is proud to invest in entrepreneurial Filipino women. The International Labor Organization estimates that between $42 billion and $47 billion is lost annually in the Asia-Pacific region due to women’s limited access to employment opportunities. To create prosperity, communities need to invest in women and support them to start a business or access jobs,” Gorely said.
Among the exhibitors were the traditional mat weavers from Basey, Samar, the indigenous woven fabric makers of the T’Boli tribe, the fashion accessories makers of Tondo, Manila, the abaca and piña cloth weavers of Kalibo, Aklan among others.
