The ambassador outlined how the Netherlands continues to “punch above its weight” globally—serving as the world’s second-largest exporter of agricultural products and a recognized leader in water management, innovation, climate resilience, and sustainable development. These strengths, she noted, help drive expanding cooperation between the Philippines and the Netherlands.

Promoting Peace, Maritime Security, and International Law

Ambassador Geraedts reaffirmed the Netherlands’ commitment to helping the Philippines strengthen peace, maritime security, and adherence to international law, especially amid ongoing tensions in the South China Sea. As The Hague is home to the world’s leading international legal institutions, the Netherlands regularly provides expertise on maritime law and UNCLOS.

A recent Dutch Embassy seminar brought together Philippine Coast Guard personnel and law enforcement agencies to deepen their understanding of maritime rules and improve regional cooperation on maritime security.

Championing Human Rights, Women’s Rights, and Media Freedom in the Philippines

The ambassador emphasized that protecting human rights is a central mandate of Dutch foreign policy. In the Philippines, the Dutch Embassy continues to support initiatives promoting women’s rights, LGBTQI+ rights, media freedom, and the protection of human rights defenders.

She highlighted the embassy’s participation in the global campaign to end violence against women and the annual Human Rights Award, which recognizes outstanding civil society organizations. Last year’s Tulip Award, advocates for the rights of indigenous women. The next honoree will be announced on December 10, International Human Rights Day.

Empowering the Next Generation of Filipina Leaders

Ambassador Geraedts shared the embassy’s flagship youth program, Girls’ Day, which allows high school students to shadow her and learn about diplomacy, foreign policy, and public service. During one visit, students were introduced to senior Department of Foreign Affairs officials, giving them firsthand exposure to how international relations and statecraft are practiced.

She also noted the embassy’s participation in the annual Gender Equality Run as part of its continuing advocacy to advance gender equality and broaden awareness of women’s rights.

Women in Diplomacy: Progress and Perspective

During a tour of the embassy’s Wall of Ambassadors—documenting 75 years of Dutch diplomatic leadership in the Philippines—the ambassador pointed out that the first female Dutch ambassador to Manila was appointed only in 2014. The milestone underscores that even progressive nations move gradually toward gender parity, yet maintain steady progress.

PH–Netherlands Partnership in Sustainable Development, Trade, and Investment

Ambassador Geraedts highlighted the expanding economic relationship between the Philippines and the Netherlands, particularly in agriculture, trade, manufacturing, innovation, and sustainable development.

Dutch expertise in water management and flood control is currently being explored with Philippine government agencies, including NEDA and the Department of Public Works and Highways. The Netherlands’ advanced and efficient agricultural systems offer potential insights for improving productivity and food security in the Philippines.

The envoy also noted Dutch investments in Philippine manufacturing and semiconductor sectors. This includes an orthopedic shoe factory in Bulacan using advanced digital technology, as well as FrieslandCampina—the parent company of Alaska Milk—which continues to expand its presence in the country’s dairy industry. Dutch semiconductor firms also play a significant role in the Philippine electronics supply chain.

In the maritime sector, a long-standing partnership between the Netherlands and the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy supports world-class training for Filipino cadets, many of whom proceed to careers aboard Dutch vessels.

High-Level Dutch Engagement Strengthening Bilateral Relations

Ambassador Geraedts highlighted recent high-level visits that underscore the deepening Philippines–Netherlands partnership, including the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands. As the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance, Queen Máxima’s global work on financial inclusion strongly aligns with ongoing efforts to expand women’s economic empowerment and provide underserved communities with greater access to financial tools.

Through these initiatives, Ambassador Geraedts illustrated how the Netherlands continues to champion women’s empowerment, human rights, and media freedom, while advancing trade, innovation, maritime cooperation, and sustainable development. These efforts reinforce the robust and steadily strengthening partnership between the Philippines and the Netherlands.

Gone are the days when women take the sideline, and men take the lead and women submit and follow. This typecasting has rapidly changed even before the advent of the digital renaissance takes place, as many women leaders already surfaced in unexpected times and situations not just locally but also globally.

Even in the diplomatic community in the Philippines, the landscape has changed a lot as many women ambassadors took the helm of their respective embassies and have been making a lot of impact in the country through their creative initiatives and focused activities such as media freedom, gender equality, equal job opportunity, health and mental health, public diplomacy, cultural activities, among others.

Empowered Women were not openly discussed before. As to whether it’s a product of gender bias or cultural infirmity, the fact remains women will always be there to stand up like men in times of adversity. Through the years, women have been at the forefront of change that needs to be done, whether in the family, community, or even in the workplace. These empowered women continuously disrupt the old norms, break the stereotypes, and create a difference in their own unique ways. 

Yesterday, March 8, the Italian Chamber of Commerce Philippines (ICCPI) and Global Women BPW Manila hosted the Women Lead Conference 2024 at Dusit Thani Manila wherein powerful testimonials from Filipino women leaders have become the source of courage and inspiration as the world celebrates International Women’s Day.

The roster of powerhouse women business leaders in the country with their unique experiences and stories to tell put everyone in awe as they shared their journeys from very diverse sectors such as media, transportation, communications, academe, medicine, health and wellness, and government, among others. The metamorphosis is commendable – from having a minuscule voice, these women challenge the status quo and exemplify as an inspiration to others. 

Start the lead with ‘grit’ 

Keynote speaker Charo Santos-Concio, Executive Consultant of ABS-CBN, emphasized the essentials of an empowered woman: self-determination, competence, meaning, impact; and lastly, constant reinvention. Reminiscing her childhood experiences, Santos-Concio shared how every moment in her served as its catalyst to where she is today. It was the unexpected driving force that was unimaginable for her to happen and achieve.

By making history as the first woman CEO of the country’s giant media company, ABS-CBN, she revealed how she was led to be a storyteller and served as a voice from a male-dominated industry by “championing the triumph of the human spirit” as well as touching the lives of “Filipinos from all walks of life” through her craft. She also hopes that women will continue to thrive by combining traits of hard work, grit, and determination in doing work “from love” in their own chosen fields.

Interesting women not just of form but more so of substance were given the spotlight through fireside chat, testimonials and panel discussions covering leadership, entrepreneurship, work-life balance, and beauty to mental wellness, as well as embodying a modern woman.

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GCash CEO Martha Sazon shared that as a leader, it is important to be purpose-driven while epitomizing someone who has the traits of authenticity, entrepreneurial spirit, flexibility, and also empathy. She underscored the importance of honing skills and knowing the ‘why’ behind each endeavor being undertaken. Other speakers also highlighted the power of ‘saying no’, how a supportive partner can influence your progress, and the importance of embracing your unique self-worth not just as a woman but as an individual. 

Keeping a ‘Safe Space’ in the workplace

Meanwhile, celebrity lawyer and TV Host Atty. Gaby Concepcion, underscored the importance of creating a safe space in the workplace, whether in private or public. She noted that companies or institutions and company leaders or executives must take a conscious effort to ensure all women regardless of age are safe and protected from sexual harassment, whether verbal or non-verbal, discrimination, intimidation, and other gender bias practices.

She also cited the prevalence of sexual harassment in various educational institutions and pointed out that this should not be the case at the onset given the fact that the school is the second home, and must always be a safe haven for the students.

Atty. Concepcion also gave some valuable pointers to the audience, on how to thwart sexual harassment or gender-related violence in the workplace and continue to provide safe space for women by documenting, reporting, and ensuring that there is always harmony in the workplace. She believes that by doing so, it leads to productivity and a better society that fosters respect, camaraderie, and appreciation of one’s uniqueness and diversity.

Last but not least, Global Women BPW Manila head Rayla Allertsen, an educator by profession and well-loved teacher emphasized in the sideline interview when asked about what the Women Lead International Conference is to her and her fellow Filipina leaders and she said the complementing roles of men and women in society, citing her own relationship with her Italian husband, Hermod “Buster” Allertsen.

“We women are not in competition with men. Men and women, as how God created us must be there to support each other. They should lift each other, and not to “PH D” or Pull Her Down or Pull Him Down,” she emphasized.

If there’s one thing that should be remembered from all of the speakers’ insights, that would be to strive for excellence instead of chasing success! Everything is an unending process and lifelong learning that the schools don’t teach. To highlight, one of the panelists shared how she conquered cancer while remaining focused on her vision. Now, she’s making a legacy globally by sticking to her mission.

The heartwarming stories and practical insights I heard still resonate with me. While I am still young, being an empowered woman at my age and in the workplace which I call my home and haven, is a big blessing for me. I hope that one day I can also be an agent of inspiration to my fellow women and also to men. I am truly grateful and highly appreciate the opportunity to be immersed with such remarkable women with great mindsets, incredible attitudes, and powerful life-transforming stories.

As fate comes with faith within ourselves, may we continue to forge our own paths, draw straight from a crooked line, and manifest our vision into a purposeful mission while building an inclusive community. 

To all women out there, do not stop crafting your own destiny. Leave and ignore doubts, learn from the setbacks, and keep believing in yourself and your vision that in God’s appointed time it will take you to places where you are meant to be and make difference to others and in the society. As the old adage goes, “If it has to be, it is all up to me!”

The Philippine Business and News is a proud media partner of WOMEN LEAD 2024.

Happy International Women’s Month! 

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