The International Women Month is almost done and last March 8, during the International Women’s Day, Virlanie Foundation joined a kick-off celebration with the theme #EmbraceEquity, organized at the French Alliance Office, by France Volontaires and the Embassy of France to Philippines and Micronesia. On that day, two of our beneficiaries won the poetry and painting competition.  

Kaye took the second for her work submitted to the painting contest with the theme of the year #EmbraceEquity. This is in fact the second time that she has won a prize for her paintings. She started drawing six years ago, after Elizabeth’s visitor came to teach her. Art is the way to express herself. As an anime fan, she began to practice her skills with manga. During the contest she draws a girl band. The theme inspired her “before women were restricted, they had to stay at home but now they have right and it’s make good” explains her. 

Pia, an Elizabeth home’s beneficiary, won third place in the Poetry writing contest with her poignant poetry about the clamor for the equity of women’s rights and justice in society. She also feels that nowadays, there are also models in our society:   

“I believe there are many women in higher positions or who have many roles in our society. For instance, there’s ate Samantha. She’s studying civil engineering and it’s usually becoming an engineer is a man’s profession,” Pia said. Writing her poetry for the contest was a bit challenging for her, she didn’t expect to win, and it was a real surprise. “Sometimes I write for myself but, it’s not what I like best, I also like to sing.” 

During this day, Pia had the opportunity to read her poetry in front of an audience. Next to other six women, guest speakers invited to participate in a talk show entitled Soeurette. These women are distinguished women from different fields and distinct advocacies, namely:  

• • Ms. Daisy Omega – a para-athlete and a volunteer for Paris Terre De Jeux 2024;  

• • Ms. MJ Lamoste – the founder of Tagpi-tagpi and an advocate of circular economy; 

• • Ms. Carol Malasig – an international multimedia diplomacy journalist; 

• • Ms. Olena Sabado – the official interpreter of the Honorary Consulate General of Ukraine in Manila; 

• • Tetyana Rymska, member of the Ukrainian community in Manila and student at International School Manila; 

• SPO4 Judy Saberon – Bureau of Fire Makati Department.  

Through their story, they define the term of what the women are in the Filipino actual society and importance of the equal treatment of people irrespective of gender.