I often see this quote online: “Be the woman who fixes another woman’s crown without telling the world it was crooked.”
This simple but powerful message serves as a reminder that true strength lies in lifting each other up rather than putting each other down. In a world where women still face gender biases, societal expectations, and personal challenges, supporting one another is crucial. This is the time to break free from the clutches of crab mentality, which remains deeply ingrained in our society.
A beautiful example of this kind of support took place during the Miss Universe 1994 pageant. Our candidate, Charlene Gonzalez, and then-Miss India 1994, Sushmita Sen, were competitors, both vying for the crown.
But instead of seeing each other as rivals, Charlene showed kindness—offering and lending Sushmita a pair of earrings of her choice when she needed them.
After Sushmita won the title, she tried to return them, but Charlene refused, letting her keep the “winning accessories.” Years later, Sushmita recalled this touching moment and paid tribute to Charlene in an old episode of Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (clips of this are all over the internet!), proving that true sisterhood transcends competition.
When women lift each other up, it creates a ripple effect of empowerment. One act of kindness, mentorship, or advocacy can inspire another, leading to a chain reaction of positive change that spans generations. A single woman’s success can open doors for many others, proving that lifting each other up benefits not just individuals but entire communities.
The ripple effect
For too long, society has conditioned women to see each other as competitors rather than allies. Whether in career advancement, social circles, or even personal achievements, women are often pressured to outshine rather than uplift one another. But the truth is, when women collaborate instead of compete, everyone wins.
One Filipina who embodies this spirit is Leni Robredo, our former Vice President. Through her Angat Buhay initiative, she empowered women in marginalized communities by providing them with education, livelihood opportunities, and healthcare access. Even after her term ended, she continued her advocacy, ensuring that the women she helped would, in turn, uplift others. Her work demonstrates how one woman’s dedication to empowering others can set off a ripple effect that changes lives far beyond her immediate reach.
On the global stage, entertainment icon Oprah Winfrey has long been a living symbol of empowerment for women. Through the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa, Oprah has provided young women with education and mentorship, giving them opportunities they might not have had otherwise. Many of these young women have gone on to become leaders in their own right, proving that when one woman rises, she carries others with her.
In business, fashion designer and philanthropist Tory Burch has made it her mission to support female entrepreneurs. She founded the Tory Burch Foundation, which provides women with access to capital, business education, and mentorship. By ensuring that more women have the resources and knowledge to build successful businesses, she is not only transforming individual lives but also shaping the future of women in entrepreneurship. The women she supports today will, in turn, help others in the future, continuing the cycle of empowerment.
Lifting others
The Philippines is a great example of how gender equality can be achieved when women are given opportunities to lead and succeed. But progress must be sustained through continuous efforts to empower women in all sectors. When women uplift each other, the impact extends far beyond immediate success—it creates a culture of support, encouragement, and shared victories. In the workplace, this means advocating for fair pay, mentoring younger colleagues, and creating spaces where women can thrive. In personal relationships, it means being a source of strength, encouragement, and kindness.
It seems too ideal, but a world where women uplift each other is a world where young girls grow up believing in their potential, knowing they have a network of strong, supportive women behind them.
As Women’s Month comes to a close, I wish that more Filipinas will commit to making every month women’s month. May we be the women who not only fix another woman’s crown but also teach her to wear it with confidence. When women support women, success become unstoppable.
