To highlight the role of women as Champions of Change in the digital economy, PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and its wireless arm Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) reaffirmed their commitment to social impact organization Connected Women to wrap up the month-long celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD).

Connected Women’s “The Digital Economy is NOW” virtual assembly gathered like-minded organizations such as PLDT and Smart, who have helped move females forward amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The forum featured insights from various female leaders about digital inclusion and how everyone can help bridge the digital divide by upskilling women for the future of work.

Among the participants of the IWD Forum was Smart’s Debbie Tan. Having worked in the telco industry for over 20 years in various capacities – from investor relations, rates and tariffs, executive support, and now Enterprise Risk Management, which she currently heads for PLDT and Smart, Tan emphasized how “when we uplift women, we uplift all of society as well.”

“PLDT and Smart’s initiatives with Connected Women underscore our commitment to empower Filipinos through technology that can unlock and share their infinite potential,” she said.

The integrated telecommunications company’s partnership with Connected Women is for the Elevate AIDA (Artificial Intelligence Data Annotation) program, which offers online skills development and remote work opportunities in the artificial intelligence industry, particularly for stay-at-home women. Upskilling projects include data labeling, remote work, professional communication, and computer skills, which are all scalable in the digital remote workspace.

Tan shared how PLDT and Smart’s initiatives with Connected Women come at a perfect time. “Our senior management team has recently seen an influx of women leaders,” she said, adding that the issues faced by females “resonate with all of them.” This led to the participation of other female executives in Connected Women’s efforts, the most recent of which involved international arm PLDT Global. The project is for PGC’s Voice-of-the-Consumer (VOC) program, powered by artificial intelligence.

PLDT and Smart’s Connected Women beneficiaries will also benefit from career coaching, developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and mentoring. Other initiatives in the pipeline include the provision of digital tools and possible livelihood opportunities in PLDT and Smart’s load retailer business.

“Our efforts form part of PLDT and Smart’s larger initiative to support the global agenda for women,” Tan said.

Other participants at Connected Women’s “The Digital Economy is NOW” IWD Forum included Sanofi Philippines Country Lead & General Manager Amal Makhloufi; Isabela, Basilan Mayor Sitti Djalia Hataman; Philippine Commission on Women Chairperson Sandra Montano, and Connected Women Co-Founder Ruth Yu-Owen, and more.

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