MANILA, Philippines — Two Filipinas were recognized for their constant efforts and service in their respective categories during the first virtual ceremony of this year’s 3rd Women of the Future Southeast Asia Awards (WOFSEA) held Thursday.
A total of 10 talented women including two Filipinas across Southeast Asia were unveiled as winners to celebrate the most innovative and determined women from across 10 categories such as Arts and Culture, Business, Community Spirit and Public Service, Entrepreneur, Media and Communications, Mentor, Property, Infrastructure and Construction, Professions, Science, Technology and Digital, and Social Entrepreneur.
Gigi Morris, founder of MoCa Family Farm RLearning Center in Batangas, was awarded the Woman of the Future for Mentor for her various efforts in empowering women in the agricultural sector. Morris is also the driving force behind Pamilyang Filipino Farmers Agricultural Cooperative – a women-led family farms cooperative which aims to improve family income through value-adding farm products.
Atty. Lucille Dejito, director of Legal Interventions at the International Justice Mission Cebu, was recognized as Woman of the Future for Professions for her unwavering dedication and service to combat commercial and online sexual exploitation and trafficking of children. To date, Dejito has prosecuted and supported 83 convictions of traffickers and leads workshops and training sessions for government officials to better understand the nuance of the crimes.
WOF Global Ambassador, Her Royal Highness, Countess of Wessex Sophie Rhys Jones shared during her welcome remarks how these women became an inspiration through their work as they shatter stereotypes and encourage the next generations.
“Extraordinary times call for extraordinary leadership and our 2020 WOFSEA awards exemplify how talented female leaders are paving the way and affecting positive change in so many professions, industries and sectors,” the Countess of Wessex said.
“Now more than ever before, when it can feel that challenges are insurmountable, or when our traditional communities and support structures have been shaken – we need to find ways in which to connect, learn from each other and collaborate on a local and global scale so we support this generation of female leaders and the next,” she added.
WOF programme founder Pinky Lilani CBE DL also acknowledged the need to adapt during these unprecedented times as they virtually announce the winners through its online platform for the first time.
“However, the vision and motivation of the awards remains the same. When we spotlight success, share our own stories and collaborate across professions and borders, we create a powerful community and support system for these women,” Lilani said. “I have been so very impressed by our candidates’ achievement and their deep desire to make the world a better place. Through these awards, we hope to continue inspiring women to broaden the female talent pool and support progress in the region.”
