Stories of Impact 

Our Stories of Impact series consists of videos and articles that showcase the challenges Southeast Asian Women Social Entrepreneurs (WSEs) face and their corresponding solutions that change broken systems for the good of all.

Two women working together

Uplifting women who lift others: Trainings by Ashoka, S&P, Deutsche Bank empower ASEAN women social entrepreneurs

Women in Southeast Asia have identified the need for a strong community and structured mentorship to grow and navigate the challenges of social entrepreneurship.
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Horizontal banner of ReThink event

To break free from restrictive gender roles, women should exercise “invisible power,” say ASEAN women leaders

Changing narratives about women requires changing the norms and the system. It also requires women to break free from gender roles and become more visible in the public sphere.
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Colorful geometric vectors around the following text: Stories of Impact: Women's Multiple Burdens

In addressing women’s “multiple burdens,” change should start at home

Where patriarchy still largely dictates gender roles, unpaid care work remains a deep-seated problem. In Thailand and Indonesia, two women changemakers are leading the path toward this necessary...
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Illustration of hijabi with text: Stories of Impact: Women Learning Intergenerationally

Exchanges of wisdom: Generational connection needed for enduring change among women leaders

“Rather than looking at the world at the lens of age conflict, we need to adjust to this multigenerational moment that’s already washing over us,” says Ashoka Fellow Marc Freedman.
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Illustration of woman with text "Stories of Impact: Barriers Against Women's Leadership"

Systemic changes necessary to dismantle barriers against women’s leadership

It is a reality that is evident in workplaces and organizations, one that is often silently shared by women. Even with growing awareness of gender equality and gender bias across the world, women...
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Illustration of woman with text "Stories of Impact: Women in Systems Change"

SEA women social entrepreneurs scale deep, up and out to enact systemic change

Women hold up half the sky, but the reality remains that they are severely underrepresented in leadership positions across different sectors all around the world.
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DIWA Media Fellowship Stories

Women social entrepreneurs in Southeast Asia are paving the way for inclusive economies and empowered communities. However, oftentimes their stories do not reach mainstream attention which minimizes opportunities to create awareness around their advocacies, to amplify their impact through partnerships and support, and to co-lead nationwide movements. 

This is why Ashoka Southeast Asia and S&P Global Foundation created the DIWA Media Fellowship in 2022. Through the Fellowship, journalists and media practitioners connect with women social entrepreneurs who have participated in the DIWA program and are given support to produce stories that put these women and their inspiring work front and center. 

A group of women posing in front of the Lunas Collective logo

Meet the volunteers behind a chat service to address gender-based violence

 

by Susan Claire Agbayani (PhilStar Life) 

Get to know the story behind Lunas Collective, a chat service helpline that has been serving survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) and advocates since the first pandemic lockdown in the country, launched by DIWA alumna Sabrina Gacad.  

Read the story
Geometric shapes around calculators, a notebook, a laptop with an open spreadsheet

Can doing our taxes ever be "easy"?

 

by Tricia Aquino (PumaPodcast)

Meet 3 DIWA alumnae - Pauline Santos, Ginger Arboleda, and Gina Lynn Valdez - who are taking care of the pains of taxes and accounting for other social entrepreneurs so that they can focus on their impact!

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Lorie is wearing a Waste4Good polo shirt and is sitting by her invention

How Tulunan Women Reinvent Smart Organic Farming

 

by Jun Aguirre (Boracay Island News)

Several women innovators in North Cotobato, including DIWA alumna Lorie Daquioag, are producing alternatives to artificial fertilizers and are revitalizing local agriculture. 

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Joji holding up a coffee pack

Want peace? Drink coffee

 

by Bong Sarmiento (MindaNews)

Dive deep into the origins of Coffee for Peace, a social enterprise founded by DIWA alumna Joji Pantoja, which is building a community and culture of peace cup by cup.      

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Salika showing her weaving to another woman

How a Moro woman has preserved their culture while helping provide food for displaced families

 

by Janess Ellao (Bulatlat)

Get to know more about DIWA alumna Salika Maguindanao who founded the Maranao Collectible Service Cooperative as a way to uplift a community of weavers from the aftermath of the Marawi Siege. 

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Two women using traditional Filipino looms

What ‘sustainable’ means for this weaving community

 

by Geela Garcia (CNN Life Philippines)

DIWA alumnae Anya Lim and Pamela Mejia lead social enterprises that help weaving communities achieve sustainability financially, environmentally, and culturally. 

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A shot of the Balik Batik store showing racks of indigenous weaves in clothing

Standing for the IPs

 

by Ace Perez (SunStar Davao)

Balik Batik, a social enterprise founded by DIWA alumna Veronica Baguio, promotes cultural appreciation rather than appropriation by building relationships with various indigenous communities and showcasing their handiwork. 

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Betty has a hand on a circular diagram on Manila paper. Her other hand is holding a microphone.

Betty Listino: In Pursuit of the Common Good

 

by Karlston Lapniten (Baguio Chronicle)

For DIWA alumna, Betty Listino, mobilizing a cooperative of professional from various disciplines has led to increasing the impact in various communities across her home region in the Cordilleras, from livelihood to mental wellbeing. 

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