Leadership Starts at the Community Level
OZAMIZ CITY - Leadership does not always begin inside a government office. Many women first become involved through barangay organizations, community groups, volunteer activities, and neighborhood initiatives. The March 2026 Women’s Month celebration in Ozamiz brought together representatives from 53 women’s organizations, demonstrating the presence of an organized network of women participating in community affairs. These organizations can provide opportunities for women to develop communication, coordination, planning, and decision-making skills. Those experiences can eventually prepare members to take on larger responsibilities in their communities.
More Women at the Decision-Making Table
Representation matters because government decisions affect people with different experiences and needs. Having women participate in policymaking can add perspectives shaped by their experiences in families, workplaces, communities, and civic organizations. During the Ozamiz Women’s Month event, City Councilor Lorlie Fuentes-Cipres discussed women’s participation in local governance and noted the presence of several women in the city council. She also pointed to the increasing number of women serving as department heads in the city government. This visibility can encourage more women to consider public service as a possible avenue for leadership.
Creating Role Models for Younger Women
Leadership becomes easier to imagine when people can see examples of others who have already taken that path. Women serving in government, barangay organizations, and community groups can become role models for younger residents. Their experiences can show students and young professionals that leadership is not limited to one gender or one type of career. For Ozamiz City, highlighting these stories can help create a culture in which young women feel encouraged to participate in student organizations, volunteer programs, civic activities, and eventually public affairs.
