U-GO, CPN, FTW, and ICanServe on recognising women's strengths

ICanServe

This Philippine-based advocacy group of breast cancer survivors and volunteers bring forth breast cancer control programmes, including early detection, open access to diagnosis and treatment, care for survivors, and patient navigation. ICanServe envisioned that it is crucial for willing breast cancer survivors to share their experiences with other women and for the latter to listen in. With the foundation's assistance, the vision creates a safe and holistic space for all to feel and receive support throughout their ordeal.

In case you missed it: ICanServe supports the breast cancer community with its 2019 Silver Linings summit

ICanServe institutionalised breast cancer control programmes in local governments through Ating Dibdibin, which has encouraged women to take control of their health, banish their fears, increase their compliance, and bring down mortality rates that no other foundation in the country has done and few in the region have attempted. "We united the breast cancer community and created Patient Power Philippines, an informal coalition of breast cancer patient groups in the Philippines so we could have a united voice and together scale up our services," includes Kara Alikpala, the founder of ICanServe and a founding member of the Cancer Coalition Philippines.

Visit icanservefoundation.org or contact ICanServe at +638.8636.5578.

For The Women

For The Women understands that in this artificial intelligence or AI-inclined age, women would have a more challenging time than they already are now. Thus, this foundation started to change women's lives by providing free training to propel them toward career advancements. FTW takes pride in its simple vision to create a community of Filipinas in the technology industry to start breaking through career barriers. Its flagship data science scholarship programmes and intensive technology skills training align with its mission to up-skill deserving women. FTW made its first punch through the wall by having a globally high standard of AI curriculum led by its instructors with exceptional levels of expertise.

One of the founders, Cara Wilson, says that in terms of numbers, FTW has a six per cent new job placement rate and a 154 and above per cent increase in average monthly earnings from before the 14-week programme. Apart from the metrics, "all of FTW's graduates pay it forward by becoming mentors and teaching assistants to new scholars after they graduate," says Wilson.

See also: Cara Wilson tells us why the tech industry is a place where women thrive

"For this year, FTW will continue to deliver and improve on the FTW's flagship programmes. This means holistic training which teaches both hard and soft skills. For example, communication skills and job readiness training are essential and often not emphasised enough in Data Analytics training. We are also looking into launching another scholarship programme for a data-related role like Data Engineering. And we are leaning into leveraging FTW's Alumni Community, for we believe that women learn best when a strong community supports them."

As a final reminder, Wilson tells women that "sometimes the thing holding you back is all in your head".

Visit ftwfoundation.org for more info.

U-Go

Education opportunities are tragically far better for men than women, especially at low-income levels. Even as this imbalance tugs on the more significant issue of equal access to basic needs and human rights, U-Go decided to narrow the education gap by following Room to Read's successful steps, which have helped over 25 million children throughout their academic journey. However, U-Go focused on the welfare of women, assisting motivated but underprivileged young women in countries such as Pakistan, Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, India and Bangladesh. The foundation offers scholarships, renewal contingency, and family and community co-investment to support its beneficiaries' aspirations of university education. U-Go believes empowering a young girl equals empowering the family, leading to an empowered community.

U-Go's first ambassador in the Philippines, Mariana Zobel de Ayala, feels strongly about ensuring equal opportunities for women in the Philippines. "In our society, the role of women has always been contradictory; we see strong examples of women leadership—as presidents, chairwomen of large private institutions, and even heads of households; yet we still lack representation in certain verticals such as mid-management and boards of private institutions," Zobel adds that she thinks of education as a significant factor in changing the narrative of less-fortunate Filipinos, specifically the women.

Read more: Opening new doors: U-Go initiative takes underprivileged women to school

"Disproportional education rates between women and men contribute to wider issues such as the existing earning gaps in low-income countries. By providing financial assistance, U-Go will help remove the systematic barriers that hold women back and work towards de-randomising academic opportunities, which will impact the future of that woman and the communities surrounding her and depend on her," Zobel says. This 2023, U-Go aims to work on life skills courses and its employment network, connecting students with internships and full-time jobs.

Visit ugouniversity.org and read more about their success stories.

This article was originally published in Tatler Philippines March 2023 issue.

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