Breaking boundaries: Unilab Foundation's commitment to shape the future of women in the workforce

The recognition of women's contributions in the workforce is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it acknowledges the significant role that women play in driving economic growth and development globally. Secondly, recognizing women's contributions promotes gender equality and fosters an inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive and succeed based on merit. Lastly, by acknowledging and valuing the achievements of women in the workforce, society can challenge stereotypes, break down barriers, and pave the way for greater opportunities for future generations of women.

Unilab Foundation and AMDev’s commitment to inclusivity and opportunities for all

Unilab Foundation, together with the Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Development Alliance (AMDev) developed by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is proud to be actively involved in recognizing the importance of empowering women in all aspects of society, including the workforce.

As a socially responsible organization committed to providing access to health care and a wide array of opportunities for community involvement, Unilab Foundation understands the significance of gender equality and the need to support initiatives that empower women to reach their full potential.

One great example for partnerships creating opportunities for women is the recently concluded forum on "Building Inclusive Workplaces: How Industry 4.0 Empowers Women," organized by USAID through AMDev and Unilab Foundation. This initiative strives to empower women to thrive in their careers, contribute to economic growth, and make a positive impact on society.

“We’re committed to working with our partners to not only build skills but also to promote diversity and inclusion,” USAID Deputy Mission Director Rebekah Eubanks said in her opening remarks. “Our commitment is to give everyone the opportunity to succeed in the rapidly evolving industrial landscape,” she added.

USAID's 5-year program with AMDev targets upskilling and reskilling 11,000 manufacturing workers nationwide, aligning with the priorities of the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 for a tech-savvy and agile workforce despite the setback brought by the pandemic.

“Through the years, we have made significant progress in achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment in the Philippines. The Magna Carta of Women, a landmark law thirteen years ago, has provided an even-handed representation of women in all facets of society. This progress has placed the Philippines as the second-best country in the East Asia and Pacific region in closing the gender gaps.” Dr. Danilo Lachica, Chief of Party, AMDev said in his closing remarks during the event.

“Staying true to the Unilab Foundation values, we aspired to build on integrity, excellence, innovation, and compassion. We kept the spirit of “Bayanihan” alive by partnering with model manufacturing companies, the government, the academe, and civil society to develop a pool of highly skilled workers that meet the sector’s requirements allowing women to showcase their skills and expertise.” he added.

Lachica also mentioned that the program’s goal was to train 300 workers in its first year, but they were able to train more than 800 Filipino workers, 313 of whom are women, across all the 14 manufacturing-related training programs.

“This year’s goal is to train 1,000 workers, but we’re optimistic that we can surpass that.” he expressed.

Empowering women in manufacturing

In recent years, there has been a notable increase in women's participation in the manufacturing industry worldwide. Historically dominated by men, manufacturing is now seeing a growing number of women taking on various roles within the industry.

From production line workers to engineers and managers, women are making significant contributions to the manufacturing process, bringing diverse perspectives, skills, and talents to the table.

Despite this progress, women in manufacturing still face several challenges such as gender biases, which can hinder women's advancement and opportunities for career growth within the industry. Additionally, women may encounter barriers related to workplace safety and physical demands, particularly in roles that involve manual labor or operating heavy machinery.

“Rinaly”, a dedicated employee at Amherst Parenterals, Inc. (AmPI), a subsidiary of Unilab, Inc., shares her experience navigating these challenges. She recalls, "It's challenging for me kasi nagbubuhat din po kami ng mabibigat sa training (since my training involved lifting heavy tools and equipment), but I was able to finish the training successfully."

Rinaly, originally from the province of Surigao, initially started as a scholar for a two-year course in Computer Technology. When she graduated, she worked in the packaging department, inspecting three lines at Amherst Nutraceuticals Inc., (ANI). When her contract ended, she applied for another position at AmPI where she started as a visual - manual inspector. After completing the equipment training, she now operates the automatic testing machine/leak-testing machine, ensuring that the liquid products inside the ampoule are free from foreign particulate matter.

When asked if women can also stand out in the manufacturing industry, Rinaly answered: “Tingin ko opo, kasi kaya naman pong gawin ng mga babae yung ginagawa ng mga lalaki na operator basta pag-aralan lang po at willing ka sa ginagawa mo (I think yes, women can do what men can as long as we train and we are willing to do those tasks).”

“Nakakapag-save tayo ng life ng kapwa na nangangailangan, quality po ang unang sinesecure namin - maglabas ng quality products po para walang mapahamak na mga consumers (We can save lives of those in need through what we do in manufacturing, quality is our number one priority - to produce quality products that are safe for all consumers).” she added.

Because of her stable income through her job at Amherst Parenterals, Inc., she was able to provide for her family back in Surigao and as she finished the training, she is driven to dream higher.

“Ok naman pala dito tapos mapra-proud ka kasi, ‘Ay Unilab siya’, isa siya sa kilalang gumagawa ng world-class na gamot. Kaya pag sinasabi ng tatay ko na sa Unilab ako nagtra-trabaho ay naa-amaze yung mga kapitbahay namin. (It’s great here and I’m proud when they say, “She’s from Unilab”, she’s one of those who makes world-class medicines. When my father says that I work at Unilab, our neighbors are amazed.)”, she proudly said.

Rinaly’s story, among many other stories from all the women in the workforce, exemplifies the resilience and determination of women, proving that with dedication and perseverance, women can excel in traditionally male-dominated roles.

As the industry continues to evolve, it is essential to recognize and support the valuable contributions of women, creating a more inclusive, accessible and equitable workforce for all.

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Editor’s Note: This article was provided by Unilab Foundation.