In the Philippine financial services industry, women are making significant strides as leaders, despite facing ongoing challenges. Two distinguished female members of the Monetary Board (MB), the policy-setting body of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), are breaking barriers for women in finance.
Anita Linda Aquino made history in July 2020 when she became the first female banker appointed to the MB. Alongside her is Rosalia de Leon, former national treasurer, who joined the board in September last year.
Aquino recognizes the progress in advancing gender equality and applauds the efforts of individuals and companies in addressing women’s rights and issues. With almost three decades of experience in the banking industry, Aquino brings a wealth of knowledge and perspective to her role in the public sector.
De Leon, on the other hand, highlights the importance of female representation in the MB, noting that the current level of participation is the highest in Philippine central bank history. She emphasizes the need for continued efforts to break the glass ceiling and looks forward to the appointment of the first female governor of the BSP.
Both Aquino and De Leon acknowledge the challenges that women face in the workforce, including the responsibility of childbearing. They emphasize the importance of supporting employees’ holistic well-being and ensuring minimal disruptions in operations when female employees need to take leave for family matters.
Despite the obstacles that women continue to encounter, Aquino and De Leon remain optimistic about the future. They envision a workplace where men and women can complement and compete on an equitable footing. The BSP is committed to working as a team to fulfill its mandate and serve the public effectively.
