A Virtual Dialogue with Women Eco-warriors: An AC Ecowomen Speaker Series

The American Corner (AC) Manila at the De La Salle University Libraries, together with the American Spaces Philippines, hosted the annual AC Ecowomen Speaker Series in celebration of the Women’s Month. The goal of this program is to serve as a platform for United States Government (USG) alumni and local women environmental leaders/advocates to share their environmental advocacy or project. Moreover, it aims to serve as a springboard to stimulate responsible actions to collectively provide solutions to the prevailing climate and environmental problems.

As part of the aforementioned speaker series, AC Manila conducted a panel discussion titled A Virtual Dialogue with Women Ecowarriors last 26 March 2021 (Friday) from 10 AM to 11 AM via Zoom webinar. The invited guest panelists were Amina Shayne Baginda Halil, Founder of Seaviors,  and Czarina Constantino-Panopio, the National Lead of No Plastics in Nature Initiative, World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines.

The discussion circled on how the panelists paved the way to becoming empowered women eco-warriors and how they braved the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field. Special focus was also given to the harsh truths about the current state of the earth’s climate and environment. The session also covered some practical ways in which people could contribute to the betterment of the environment that could begin with having proper understanding and awareness on actions that have a detrimental effect on the environment. They also shared insights on what to consider when thinking of starting an environmental protection advocacy.

The majority of the attendees (79.6%) found the discussion excellent and thought-provoking. Many of them realized the critical role played by women and men alike in safeguarding the planet.