What is required to forge a future in which leadership is fair, welcoming, and sustainable within our social and institutional frameworks?
This was the primary inquiry at “Breaking Barriers: Women Leading in Business and Beyond,” a forum hosted by the Nextgen Organization of Women Corporate Directors (NOWCD) on June 23 at the BPI Wealth Lounge in Makati City. The event gathered leaders from the business sector, government, and educational institutions to reflect on advancements in women’s leadership and the systemic transformations required to support it.
Leading the dialogue was the Far Eastern University (FEU) Public Policy Center, whose involvement underscored the University’s enduring dedication to research, inclusiveness, and leadership prepared for the future.
Julia Andrea Abad, executive director of the FEU Public Policy Center, facilitated an engaging panel discussion featuring Mariana Zobel de Ayala of Ayala Land, Robina Gokongwei-Pe of Robinsons Retail, Col. Francel Margareth Padilla of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and Political Science Professor Dr. Jean Franco of UP Diliman. They together examined the real experiences of women in leadership, the significance of mentorship, and how institutions can adapt to enhance diversity at the upper echelons.
“Sustainability entails creating systems that empower individuals fairly and adapt with the times,” Ms. Abad remarked. “Genuine progress necessitates dismantling the obstacles that prevent leadership from mirroring the diversity of our community.”
An important highlight of the forum was the research presentation made by Patricia Thea Basilio, data analyst at the FEU Public Policy Center. Drawing from their 2024 College Experience Survey, Basilio presented findings regarding gender perceptions among Filipino college students. The research indicated that sexist attitudes continue to be prevalent among young individuals, particularly males, and are often correlated with a greater interest in leadership positions. These findings raise significant concerns for the future leadership landscape of the nation.
“We discovered that many who aspire to lead still maintain beliefs that could hinder the very inclusivity they are supposed to advocate for,” Ms. Basilio stated. “This underscores the need for deeper contemplation about how we nurture both skills and values in our future leaders.”
Representing FEU’s senior leadership at the gathering was Gianna Montinola, consultant for external affairs, who introduced keynote speaker Mariana Zobel de Ayala. Ms. Montinola’s participation highlighted FEU’s broader institutional commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion across various sectors.
“Inclusive leadership doesn’t occur by chance. It demands intentionality, investment, and collaboration,” Ms. Montinola declared. “As an academic institution, FEU approaches this obligation earnestly, both in our educational offerings and in the research we conduct.”
By providing the sole academic research perspective at the forum, FEU contributed an exclusive viewpoint that merged empirical insights with actionable recommendations for nurturing inclusive leadership in an evolving landscape. The event concluded with a plea to continue building networks that support women not only in attaining leadership roles but in flourishing within them.
For the university, the mission endures: producing meaningful data, fostering discussions that challenge conventions, and equipping students to lead with both capability and integrity.
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