In celebration of International Women’s Day, “IMA”, the IBM Women’s Network Group in the Philippines, recently held a town hall with the theme “I am a Woman: I Pledge for Parity”. The event was participated by over 200 women IBMers to celebrate diversity and parity.
Four Filipina CEOs, namely Nina Aguas of Insular Life, Ace Itchon of Aspen, Marites Dagdag of Clorox International, and Agnes Gervacio of NEC Philippines, graced the event to share their success stories and experiences in the workplace. IBM Philippines Client Innovation Center Leader, Candy Soto, led the discussion that touched on various topics such as leadership, empowerment, and work-life integration.
At IBM, women have been making contributions to the advancement of information technology for almost as long as the company has been in existence. Where many companies proudly date their affirmative action programs to the 1970s, IBM has been creating meaningful roles for female employees since the 1930s when IBM founder Thomas J. Watson, Sr. champions the introduction of women into IBM’s professional ranks. These “pioneering women” are the first wave of IBM female employees to take on customer contact positions traditionally filled by men.
