We changed the format of the Womenbiz quarterly Kapihan. From the usual breakfast meeting, it’s now held during lunchtime. This time slot is preferred by the majority.
Our topic last week was “Do we need women in the board?”
The discussion was moderated by Chiqui Escareal-Go, President of Mansmith & Fielders, Inc.
It centered on-
Should a law be passed to compel companies to hire more women in corporate boards?
Affirmative: Chit Juan was for legislation,
Negative: Atty. Lorna Kapunan was against it.
I do not believe that we should mandate the hiring of women to sit in the boards. It must start with ambition, desire to move up the corporate ladder, education. Hiring must also be based on the qualification, experience, not just because by law we have to hire women.
According to Lorna’s research, Norway passed a law in 2003 requiring corporations to put more women in corporate boards. They gave a two years allowance for strict implementation. Their stocks dropped, many companies relocated outside of Norway.
Atty. Lorna Patajo-Kapunan and Pacita “Chit” Juan
Evelyn Singson, Dusit Thani’s President, chose the menu for us.
I had two bowls of this ginisang munggo with chicharon.
Pansit bihon and adobong chicken liver and gizzard
Aurora “Boots” Geotina – Garcia, Chairman of the Women’s Business Council of the Philippines (WBCP) inducted a new member, Monette Itturalde-Hamlin, President of Team Asia. To her left is Pacita “Chit” Juan, President of WBCP,
From left: Mylene Abiva, Boots Garcia, newly inducted member, Monette Hamlin, Chit Juan, Lorna Kapunan, and Chiqui Escareal-Go.
I believe I can fly.
Mylene, Lorna, Mercy Corrales, Chiqui Go, OMB, Chit Juan
Other guests who attended the Kapihan were Ma. Lourdes Dela Cruz of Crea8 Innovo Marketing, Catherine Biazon of JHMC, Jamie Agbayani of JHMC, Kae Lopez of Businessworld and Euney Perez.
In summary, to quote Atty. Lorna Kapunan: “If you want to be on top, be assertive in the board room, court room and bedroom.
“If you want to be on top, be assertive in the board room, court room and bedroom”
–pero naman Ms. Tan-Yee, if most women do this, they’ll be called b****es, or at best “bossy”. Mahirap panindigan. Pero pag sa lalaki normal lang. Not only should women support other women, men should also support (assertive) women.