“There is no glass ceiling at SM. We’ve always believed in the capability of women to lead and be [the] effective change-makers that our society needs.”

This was one of the messages of SM Supermalls president Steven Tan in his keynote speech for Women’s Month at SM Supermalls, at the Summit on Women Empowerment for a Sustainable Tomorrow, held on March 8, in partnership with UN Women, Spark Philippines, Connected Women, and Girl Scouts of The Philippines.

Titled “Women Now and The Future,” the hybrid summit kick-started SM’s 2022 celebration of women, with a focus on “womenpreneur” mentorship featuring women in business: Rissa Mananquil-Trillo, Krie Lopez, Gina Romero and Jammy San Juan-Magsino. 

The second part of the summit was about empowering the next generation of women, with UNEP Goodwill Ambassador Antoinette Taus, Sam Tamayo, Mariane Rosario, and Dr. Nina Lim-Yuson, president of Girl Scouts of the Philippines.

Hosted by Karen Davila, it was held at SM Megamall and live-streamed on the @smsupermalls Facebook page.

“To all our women stakeholders, this year, we commit to bigger and bolder steps to inspire you, activities that aim to make a positive impact on your family life, career, or businesses,” Tan said.

“In March 2021, we co-signed the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) and became the largest homegrown company to sign in the Philippines.

“Over the past year, we have imbedded the WEPs, especially on gender gaps across functions and processes. We conduct regular training sessions on unconscious bias, have strong internal communications and escalation channels to avoid gender-based harassment and a year-round holistic wellness program for women. We go beyond events and deep into our policies and processes to ensure a gender-inclusive workplace,” Tan added.

In planning the annual Women’s Month celebration, Tan said he told his team: “We should celebrate women every single day of the year!”

Thus, the launch of year-round activities for women.

For its MSME tenant partners, one bazaar will be held per quarter prioritizing women entrepreneurs, Tan said.

“SM Cares, our corporate social responsibility arm, will focus on empowering women in the areas of health, wellness, disaster risk reduction, and resilience.

“The Empowered Women Knowledge Series spotlights women leaders and trailblazers who have made great contributions in their respective fields, from tackling fire prevention this March, discussing motherhood and career advancement in May, telling the joys of breastfeeding in August, to preventing breast cancer in October, and focusing on the role of women in disaster risk reduction on a quarterly basis.”

For SM’s partnership with the Girl Scouts, the first activity will be a nationwide vaccination day for over 700,000 Girl Scouts in 70 of SM malls on April 2, Tan announced.

Until March 15, the Womenpreneur Market was also held. A pop-up gathering of small and medium business endeavors for women, by women, the Market offered everything from comfort food and cosmetics to active lifestyle and more. It was presented in partnership with SM tenants, affiliates and women’s partner organizations. 

Ongoing until March 31 is The Home Edit Fair for Women, which highlights a world of hobbies that many women love to indulge in: interior designing, gardening, baking, art and other home improvement activities. This is for the plantitas, platitas, and every kind of tita in between.

Also happening until March 31 is Women’s Wellness, or beauty and wellness pampering at discounted prices—a month-long indulgence any woman would find hard to refuse. Women can avail themselves of great deals from wellness salons at SM Supermalls—from facials, hair and body treatments to nail care and massage.

There’s also the Wednesday Sale—with two more dates remaining on March 23 and 30—a weekly offering of special deals exclusively for women. Shopping during the midweek has become even more tempting!

For Women Who Lunch, gustatory cravings are fulfilled with participating restaurants and food outlets whipping up delicious offers exclusively for women until March 31. From dining deals to specially prepared dishes and free drinks, moms, titas, mars, lolas, sistahs and girlfriends are in for some flavorful treats this month.

Women’s World, a celebration of Women’s Month at SM Supermalls, aims to make every woman’s shopping experience more special and meaningful. Because at SM Supermalls, we know what she wants and what she deserves.

“I assure you that you can count on SM to always provide a safe and secure space for girls and women, a nurturing place where opportunities are equal, and a platform where women’s voices are always heard,” Tan said.

Visit https://www.smsupermalls.com/womensworldatsm2022/ to check out all our treats just for you. #WomenFeelAweSM

ADVT