Empowering QC women entrepreneurs through digital literacy

by Edg Adrian A. Eva, Reporter

Women entrepreneurs must be empowered with digital literacy to overcome challenges faced by them, Quezon City and female business leaders emphasized during a women’s entrepreneurship forum held in Robinsons Galleria Ortigas on Tuesday.  

Organized by Robinsons Department Store in collaboration with Spark! Philippines and the Quezon City Government, the event was held in honor of International Women’s Month. 

The event gathered accomplished women entrepreneurs alongside key leaders of Quezon City, including Mayor Maria Josefina “Joy” Belmonte. 

During the forum, entrepreneurs shared their success stories and discussed the significant role social media played in their achievements. 

For the 42-year-old local cosmetic brand Ever Bilena, listening to customers and embracing change is the key to its long-lasting success. 

“It’s really about listening to where people are going, figuring out the touchpoints, and determining the best ways to reach our customers,” Denice Sy Munez, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer at Ever Bilena Cosmetics, Inc. said in an interview.  

“When you’re focused on truly seeing them and understanding your audience, it becomes easier to embrace change—and right now, it’s means social media,” she added.  

According to Ms. Sy, Ever Bilena has sustained its popularity among the younger demographic, with an average age of 28, by staying attuned to marketing trends, such as its recent partnership with K-pop idol Chanyeol. 

Melanie Lim Magboo, founder of clothing brand Binibini Marikit, and Janine Codizal of women’s underwear brand Ecora Philippines, also shared how social media catapulted their young companies to success.

Bridging the gap for women entrepreneurs  

Despite progress in the fight for equality, women still face limited access to essential resources, opportunities, and knowledge needed to succeed in business, Mona Celine Yap, head of Quezon City’s Small Business Cooperatives and Development Promotions Office (QC-SBCDPO), said in her presentation.  

“Women continue to work twice as hard to prove themselves, have their voices heard, and secure their rightful place in business and society,’ Ms. Yap said.  

According to a 2023 survey by the Asian Development Bank, 58% of women-owned MSMEs in the Philippines identified access to finance as a significant challenge, compared to 37% of their male counterparts.  

This disparity is primarily due to the perceived complexity of application processes, stringent documentation requirements, and associated costs. 

Ms. Yap emphasized that by teaching women to leverage technology like social media, they can overcome these challenges and achieve financial independence. 

“Digital tools will open doors to new markets, provide access to financial literacy, and offer innovative solutions to the challenges women face in economic participation,” Ms. Yap furthered. 

Meanwhile, Mayor Joy Belmonte told BusinessWorld that helping women to be economically empowered is key to addressing various issues faced by them, such as domestic violence.   

“When women are empowered, they are brave enough to leave a relationship that maltreats them… They will be more choosy in terms of who they choose as their partner. They know their self-worth, they know their value, and their value is not attached to any man,” Ms. Belmonte said.  

She added that the local government continues to develop and support programs under QC-SBCDPO initiatives that provide women with business opportunities and help them succeed in the digital space. 

Among these is QC’s Academy for Women Entrepreneurs, which offers virtual and in-person training to help women develop business skills.  

The city also runs Pangkabuhayang QC, a livelihood and financial assistance program open to all local residents, where women make up 81% of the beneficiaries.  

Another is POP QC (Proudly Original Products of Quezon City), a marketplace opens to all QC businesses owners, with women comprising 77% of its members. 

With most women engaging in QC-SBCDPO initiatives, Ms. Yap affirmed that “the future of business is female,” with the local government committed to further support.