Promoting Gender Equality

Yesterday, I was at the Asian Development Bank for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The theme was Promoting Gender Equality in the Workplace through Elimination of Harassment against Women. It was an encouraging forum as I got to learn that the ADB has been a continuous supporters of gender equality initiatives such as the Safe Spaces Act.

Other significant initiatives include:

• Inclusion of interns, volunteers, apprentices in the labor space as far as gender rights are concerned

• Inclusion of online workers and home-based employees in the sexual safety space

• Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment: one of our services is to allow our members to measure their internal policies to ensure fairness in employment life cycle and guidelines against sexual harassment.

• Both men and women are responsible in tackling sexual harassment issues

• Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment: we try to assess our members’ corporate communications to assure that they are inclusive for all genders. We also help our members become more gender-equal to attract and retain young talent, who are more likely to stay if their employers are inclusive.
  

I had an insightful day as usual at the ADB. I also got to have the best crinkles ever once more.
‘Til next time, ADB!

3rd Asia Finance Forum Day 1

Day 1 of the 3rd Asia Finance Forum was all about inclusion. Technology must be used to provide access to the unbanked and those located in remote locations. At the same time, finance must be made easy to understand for everyone. The future of finance has already been made, and it’s up to us whether we will adapt or remain stagnant.

ADB FinTech Bootcamp Day 1

Yesterday, I attended day 1 of the FinTech Bootcamp at the Asian Development Bank. I enjoyed learning about blockchain basics and seeing how the infrastructure could streamline financial services. I am sharing with you the slides from the bootcamp, and I hope that you will also be part of the future of FinTech.

In_Pact Asia 2019

I was fortunate to be a delegate in the In_Pact Asia 2019, a conference on inclusive impact at the Asian Development Bank. I attended because of my passion for social enterprise, which I apply to my Human Nature online dealership.   

Please support me by making a purchase on my Human Nature Online Shop!  Every purchase supports communities in need and sustains my micro enterprise. Thank you! 

I started my day with a hearty breakfast at the famed ADB cafeteria.  

The delegate wristband was cool as it was embedded with spinach seeds, which makes it grow when it is planted.  

I also got to connect with Mariel, a familiar face from my previous conferences in an educational institution. It was lovely to chat with someone from the inclusive business space.  

My key takeaways from the conference is that diversity drives businesses to foster collaboration. This will drive inclusion in the sense that no one is left behind, and ethical business decisions will help workers thrive amidst the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Also, social enterprise is key to sustain communities and to empower women to make a difference in the age of fair trade. 

It was a privilege to attend the fireside chat that featured Human Nature’s President Anna Meloto, who shared how Human Nature empowers women (particularly mothers) to have stable careers while caring for their families. 

I got to enjoy ADB’s notable cuisine and interact with like minded individuals. Learning about industrial trends is the reason why I attend seminars and conferences. May this be the start of more productive events that allow me to share, exchange ideas, and realize my place in the bigger picture of business and social impact. 

Climate Change: Justice For All?

Yesterday, I started my day with some taho before boarding the MRT.  

I reached the ADB in less than thirty minutes! I must say that the MRT is improving. 

I represented my blog at a roundable discussion entitled Climate Change: Justice for All?. 

It was a huge honor to be invited once again by the ADB. 

I learned that agribusiness, renewable energy, and ecotourism are some gender-sensitive examples of climate change adaptation  

It is also important to note post-disaster and pre-disaster operations in order to know the areas for improvement in vulnerable areas.

It is also essential to instill empowerment among ALL individuals to reduce vulnerability and to better manage disaster risk. 

I was delighted to have the famous ADB crinkles again for snack. 

I got to do some work at the library. 

I wore my Hiblahi handmade earrings which I purchased from my GK Enchanted Farm trip last Saturday. 

I knitted while listening to some podcasts.  

And I had burger steak from Trattoria Gourmet’s at the ADB Cafeteria, which is managed by the same staff at its original Shangri-la Mall restaurant back in the nineties.  

I dropped by St. Clare Monastery after finishing my work as I was thankful to be given the chance to spend a day at ADB and join in the round table on climate change. 

It is still my dream to work at ADB! I am claiming it, and certainly praying for it.  

Energy Technology Innovation for Gender Equality

Yesterday, I attended the launch of publications by the Asian Development Bank’s Gender Institute. They are studying technology innovation and how it is forwarding the cause of gender equality in South Asia. 

But before anything else, I had my customary photo by the ADB auditorium.  

I had Vietnamese lunch at the bank’s cafeteria. My bun cha was delicious and healthful. 

I also crocheted while waiting for the event to begin. 

The bank is full of simple reminders to treat each other better. 

I was especially delighted that the event was held at the ADB Library. It is a striking venue. I have enjoyed hanging out here in between sessions during the conferences I have previously attended here.  

And I was happy that they served chocolate crinkles. The ADB crinkles are well-known, and many foodies have acknowledged them as the best in the country. 

The event was attended by colleagues in the bank, the academe, and other experts in gender studies. 

I have learned that energy innovation must always have the advancement of gender equality in mind. Without inclusiveness, we cannot say that there is innovation in the first place. Energy allows technology and development to be enjoyed by more people, including women. In order to advance energy innovation, there must be fair pricing, sustainable energy sourcing, technological development, and the inclusion of women experts in the conversation. 

I hope to have more learning opportunities at the ADB in the future! Thanks for having me!