by Tonia Rivers

When I signed on to attend the Tradeswomen Building Bridges 2024 Philippines Delegation I really didn’t know that to expect. Sure I was privy to the hourly details of the delegation but the reality is I had no idea what was I walking into. I didn’t know anyone involved on a personal level, I was leaving for my family for nine days  and traveling to another county for the first time alone. I became wary but something in my heart told me to press on. I needed to be here.

Just a few hours after arriving to the Philippines ,  I walked into a room full of dedicated women of all different ages who were full of life. Though they hailed from various regions across the country, they  gathered for a shared purpose: to expand their knowledge and skills to enhance their lives . You might have assumed they were longtime friends, but the reality is that most of them had just met during the training. They supported one another and often jumped in to help each other complete tasks. Their sisterhood was refreshing and contagious. These amazing women were united in heart by an industry we’ve all grown to love.

Some of the participants have careers in the construction industry. Others work in separate industries or are stay at home moms who wanted to gain a new experience . Like me, they took a leap of faith and stepped into the unknown with the hope of enhancing their lives. Eager to learn more about these incredible women, I engaged in conversations with each of them and found that many were mothers. We talked about the challenges of managing careers while raising children, touching on issues that resonated deeply. Many shared the difficulty of affording childcare, often relying on family support if it is available. Others opened up about the struggle to find a balance between their professional and family lives. The need to be present and available for their children often conflict with their careers. For some, the sacrifices felt too great, leading them to postpone their career aspirations to prioritize their children until they are older. They believe that their children’s success will ultimately reflect their own. Others expressed how, as mothers, they are often perceived as liabilities by employers , with the assumption that family responsibilities will take precedence over their job commitments. “Last hired , first fired” is an unfortunate reality for many women in the Philippines . 

Though the locations may vary, the challenges faced by mothers around the world are strikingly similar. As a mother of three myself, I understand the weight of juggling multiple burdens. Mothers are expected to be everything to everyone, leaving little for ourselves. I stand in solidarity with these women, knowing firsthand the struggles they face. I also recognize that the sacrifices they made this week to improve their skills will have a lasting impact, not only in empowering themselves but also in lifting up others. I will forever be deeply moved by their courage, inspired by their sacrifices, and empowered by their resilience.