The MEGA Woman Club panel discussion brought together Southeast Asian female leaders in media, business, healthcare, and entrepreneurship to explore the challenges and progress of women across various industries. One of the key topics was the persistence of gender norms and stereotypes; the discussion examined how women navigate traditionally male-dominated spaces, challenge outdated expectations, and push for more inclusive environments. Panelists reflected on personal experiences, the role of organizations in fostering inclusivity, and how storytelling can reshape perceptions of women’s roles in society.
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On Redefining Roles and Reclaiming Representation
Savina Chow, Singaporean fashion influencer and founder of Blunies, began with emphasizing how women today are redefining traditional roles by embracing their ability to multitask across various aspects of life and career. “We are actually amazing multitaskers,” she noted. “You can be doing something—a deadline—but you’re thinking about your family, like if you need to book an appointment for your grandma, things like that.” She highlighted how these skills translate into the workplace, allowing women to efficiently manage multiple responsibilities. Furthermore, she pointed out that societal narratives have evolved, enabling women to pursue multiple passions simultaneously. “You can be a stay-at-home mom and a content creator. You can be an entrepreneur and have another side business on the weekend. We are not defined by any one label,” Chow added, underscoring how women are no longer confined to singular identities but can thrive in diverse roles.
Shifting the discussion to the healthcare industry, Mili Kale, co-founder of Moom Health, addressed the longstanding gender bias in medical research, a field where studies have historically prioritized men. Host Stephanie Zubiri pointed out that even research on conditions like Alzheimer’s—despite affecting more women—tends to focus on male subjects. Kale reinforced this disparity by sharing a striking statistic: “In 2024, less than 3% of all medical and biomedical funding actually went to women’s health, which is interesting because we’re 50% of the population.” She explained that this imbalance extends beyond major diseases, affecting even fields like dermatology, where much of the research and resources continue to be allocated to men. Recognizing the need for change, she shared how Moom Health is working to bridge the gap. “Moom has really taken an initiative and a responsibility to be able to conduct clinical trials not only in Asia but on Asian women,” she said. Beyond product development, she emphasized the importance of “using our voice or our power” to secure funding, advocate for women’s health, and drive meaningful impact in the industry.
Leveling the Playing Field: Empowerment in Work and Law
Beyond healthcare, the conversation moved to the broader challenge of breaking gender stereotypes in traditionally male-dominated fields. Korina Sanchez-Roxas—a veteran journalist in an industry long shaped by men—offered a direct response: “Breaking gender stereotypes in my field is to simply be competitive if not do it better than the boys.” However, she explained that while gender distinctions are widely discussed, she personally prefers to see people as individuals rather than separating them into categories. “We’re all persons,” Sanchez-Roxas stated, adding that even legal protections, such as the Violence Against Women and Children Act (VAWC), should be expanded to protect all victims, regardless of gender. Reflecting on her own career, she shared how her assertiveness often made colleagues wary of her, but she saw it as a necessary step in challenging workplace norms. “Breaking that stereotype is up to you in your own space,” she said, stressing that empowerment begins with self-determination. “It starts in the home, within your own space. It starts with self-emancipation, independence.”
Zubiri then shifted the conversation to the systemic biases that still exist within institutions, particularly in the Philippines’ legal system. Speaking from personal experience, she recounted the challenges of navigating the country’s annulment process, which often favors men. “It took such a long time for me to get annulled,” she shared, noting that her lawyer had warned her about the stark imbalance in legal rights between men and women. She also pointed out the disparity in adultery laws, where women can be accused with little evidence, while proving a case against a man requires undeniable proof. She underscored the need for legal reforms that genuinely promote equality, saying, “We still need laws that protect women so that we can truly be equal.”
Building on this, Sanchez-Roxas shared a recent conversation with a lawyer, who informed her about ongoing legal reforms aimed at addressing these biases. She cited the Safe Spaces Act, or the “Bawal Bastos Law,” which prohibits catcalling and public harassment, protecting not only women but also the LGBTQ+ community and men. Furthermore, she noted that legal experts are working on revising infidelity laws to ensure equal treatment. “The lines are really blurred now. We’re all human beings, so the law also has to be equal,” she concluded, expressing hope that these legal changes will help create a more just society.
Shifting Perspectives Through Social Media
Following the discussion on legal reforms and gender biases, Stephanie Zubiri moved the focus to the role of social media in challenging stereotypes in social media. Chow highlighted this as a powerful tool for representation, showing women of all ages and backgrounds what’s possible. “You’re not limited by your circumstances or your age anymore,” she emphasized. She shared how growing up in a traditional Chinese household, where decisions were made by her father, shaped her perspective. Seeing other women’s success stories online gave her the confidence to break free from societal expectations and pursue business despite lacking formal training. Chow further reflected on the curated nature of social media, where people often showcase achievements, leading to unhealthy comparisons. She then encouraged embracing individual timelines and recognizing that failures—now more openly shared—are just learning opportunities.
From challenging outdated gender norms to advocating for policy changes and using social media as a tool for empowerment, the panelists highlighted how progress begins with individual action. As Korina Sanchez-Roxas put it, “Empowerment is a choice—you have to decide it and be it.”
Photographed by GRANT BABIA and ANGELOU LUQUE
Special thanks to PANDORA, MYRA, LUXE BEAUTY AND WELLNESS GROUP, and GRAB
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