ECOP helps empower women in the workplace

MANILA, Philippines — The Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) recently launched an online forum with the theme “21st Century Workplace: Leadership Skills for the Workforce” which seeks to empower women in the workplace.

The event was supported by the International Labor Organization (ILO), Philippine Women’s Economic Network (PHILWEN) and the Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment (PBCWE).

The half-day event featured a ceremonial signing which showcased the commitment of various industry associations and companies in the Philippines in conducting soft skills training to women employees together with ECOP, as well as a workshop on enhancing the leadership skills of the participants through ILO’s In Business Modules.

Under this program, ECOP is set to work with various industry associations such as the Philippine Hotel Owners Association, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Philippine Exporters Confederation, Philippine Association of Legitimate Service Contractors, and Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment and capacitate their secretariat with essential skills that will allow them to cascade the program among their respective industries. ECOP also continuously works with the private sector in the implementation of this program.

“With our soft skills development program, we hope to empower more women and effect change to men and how they perceive women in the workplace. Ultimately, this program aims to build the capacity of both women and men, so that they may harmoniously and effectively work with each other,” said Diana Pardo-Aguilar, ECOP vice president and chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

“Because of the challenges brought about by the pandemic, we, at ECOP, were forced to think creatively and critically on how we can move forward with the program. With the support from the ILO, we were able to transform the program into something that can be delivered online.”