Justice for Women at the ADB

It was an honor to attend the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women at the Asian Development Bank. I was also a guest at last year’s celebration of gender empowerment, and I was grateful to be there again to show my support for this worthy cause. 

I am humbled to represent my blog, and to be able to be at ADB again. 

The bank inspires me with its strong stance to further the cause of gender equality. As a woman, I am proud to be a guest at an institution that recognizes my potential in society. 

It was a treat to see this year’s Christmas tree at the library. 

And no trip to ADB is complete without a cuppa from Starbucks!

I was able to knit prior to the meeting. 

Then, I had lunch at the ADB Cafeteria. I bought pizza slices from Gourmet’s Cafe, which used to run the now-defunct Trattoria Gourmet’s at Shangri-la Mall. The crew from Shang were there, and they still remember me! It’s heartwarming that they still know me after all these years. 

Their pizzas brought me back to 1999! Still delicious. 

By the time the forum started, I was already full and caffeinated enough to listen to the esteemed panel speak about their work in fighting gender violence. 

The panel have all mentioned that shifting our mindset to be inclusive of all genders and to think of everyone equally is key to preventing gender violence.  

I am happy that I was able to make time for this forum because it has empowered me to speak out for women. I am using my blog not just to give myself a voice, but to motivate other women to leave their partners if they are abused. Together, we can build a safer society that is kind to all genders. It is my dream that I can continue empowering women in my own small way, with every blog entry and solo dining experience that I share!

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!