Senator Risa Hontiveros tackled motherhood in her newly launched book and how she managed to have a work-life balance along with her Senate work.
Last March 26, Hontiveros was also asked about issues concerning women in society, in education, and in the workplace.
The incumbent senator wrote in her book “Healthy Buhay, Happy Mama: Risa Hontiveros’ Journey Through Motherhood,” her personal tips, life lessons, and experiences on the challenges she encountered as a mother, as well as coping mechanisms during the COVID pandemic.
In the intimate event organized by BookShelfPH at the Astbury in Poblacion Makati, the Women’s Leader Summit was facilitated by Big Deal (2021) editor and Fearless Filipinas (2021) co-author Katya Lichauco.
When Lichauco asked why she felt it was important to write the book, Hontiveros replied, “I’ve always loved reading. Bookworm din ako nung pagkabata ako.” She continued on how it was important to be able to share her experiences as a woman, a mother, a lifelong activist, and a legislator.
In response to Lichauco’s question on how women are more affected by the pandemic’s socio-economic effects, the senator said, “Yung vulnerabilities talaga in terms of jobs and livelihood, enterprises tumindi rin during the pandemic…[T]apos yung vulnerability pa natin to violence against women and children in the homes lalo na during [the] lockdowns.”
Hontiveros then emphasized that we have to adapt and move forward in terms of work and health.
“[D]apat dalhin na natin sa new-normal, [to] our workplaces, our schools, our online spaces. We are all responsible for each other. Kailangan yung accountabilities na ‘yon di lang i-internalized, i-institutionalize rin natin. Para it’s really a better normal for everyone and, please, especially for women.”
Hontiveros hopes that her generation may share their experiences to encourage the next generation of women.
“I could only share yung mga naging karanasan ko, yung mga reflections ko of those experiences, the same way I’ve learned so much from the women who came before me,” she said.
Hontiveros also acknowledged the pandemic’s costs on education and how it “exacerbated the digital divide.” As the economy recovers, she said it is a challenge for the government and the private sector to improve internet connectivity.
“Talagang ang lawak na ng digital divide ‘di ba, even before the pandemic. Kaya tuloy, nung pandemic, mas maraming bata at estudyante na napag-iiwanan at nag-drop out na. So, lalong na-exacerbate yung digital divide na iyon,” she said.
The fireside chat between the two was followed by an open forum. The event was attended by women leaders from the media, corporate, and entrepreneurs.
Ms. Lyn Ventanilla, one of the attendees, stated why women’s summits like these are important. “These conversations are crucial because not only can we hear from the sources directly, we can also hear from the other participants. We get to hear many stories. It also validates some questions that we have.”
An AI Start-up Founder, Ms. Cherry’s shared a message to young women who want to make their mark on the world. “Don’t be afraid to explore. Especially now that we are entering a new world, the new normal. Everything is definitely new. We need to come out of our shells.”
Hontiveros is an advocate for women, the labor sector, the marginalized, and LGBTQIA+ issues and championed landmark laws like Expanded Maternity Leave Law and the Safe Spaces Act. She is currently campaigning for re-election as her six-year legislative term ends in this year’s election.
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