As International Women’s Day approaches on March 8, 2025, UnaCash, an in-app and in-store financial services provider, honors the invaluable contributions of women entrepreneurs and professionals.
This year’s theme, “Accelerate Action,” underscores the urgent need to enhance gender equality and support women’s advancement in business.
Women continue to play a crucial role in the financial sector, driving economic growth and innovation.
According to McKinsey’s Diversity Matters Even More report, companies with over 30% female representation are more likely to achieve superior financial performance than those with less diversity. These organizations also exhibit greater adaptability in competitive markets.
In alignment with this progress, UnaCash highlights three inspiring women who exemplify resilience, talent, and leadership and demonstrate their commitment to fostering an inclusive work environment.
Fostering a supportive workplace
Niña Ocillo, co-founder of KN Rider Helmet Trading alongside Kyna Benito, oversees daily operations in their Marikina City store.
Dedication defines her approach—Ocillo often works beyond standard hours to review inventory and assess the business’s performance. However, her entrepreneurial journey in a traditionally male-dominated industry has challenges.
“The physical demands are significant, especially with heavy stock and deliveries, given our limited staff,” Ocillo shares. “Managing people is also challenging because each staff member has a unique background that I need to understand to support them better.”
Acknowledging these challenges, Ocillo embraces mentorship, guiding her team to navigate obstacles while cultivating a positive and empowering atmosphere.
“I encourage my staff to believe gender is never a barrier to success. I share my experiences to show them that a successful entrepreneur takes risks and remains prepared for any challenge—regardless of gender.”
Her story inspires aspiring women entrepreneurs and demonstrates that perseverance and dedication can lead to success, no matter the hurdles.
Balancing career and motherhood
Lyka Pahit, a Sales Merchant Specialist at UnaCash, brings a unique perspective to improving customer experience. As a single mother, she champions the importance of a strong workplace support system, emphasizing how leadership and teamwork drive business success and personal growth.
Pahit’s resilience was especially tested during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the sole provider for her family, she worked tirelessly as a cashier and bagger in a local supermarket.
“I kept telling myself I could do it. I used to walk from Marikina to Eastwood to get to work,” she recalls. “My consistency paid off—I became a regular employee, saved up from my transportation allowance, and bought a secondhand bike to ease my commute.”
Leaving her then-toddler children with her parents was one of the hardest parts of her journey. “They would ask me to stay home, and it broke my heart every time I had to leave for work,” she says.
Despite these struggles, Pahit’s determination has led her to a fulfilling career that allows her to support her children while continuing to grow professionally.
“Women play a crucial role in any industry, especially today, when many are single mothers. Finding work that brings joy and motivation is essential because enjoying what you do makes challenges easier to overcome. I’ve proven that many jobs traditionally done by men are just as achievable for women,” she asserts.
Pahit underscores the necessity of a workplace culture that supports women balancing multiple responsibilities. Her journey reinforces the power of a nurturing and collaborative environment to enable professional and personal success.
Nurturing leadership for business growth
Monica Jean Roldan, head of retail at Save ‘N Earn Wireless (SNE), a leading telco retail chain in Bohol, has positioned the company as a market leader.
She believes that business owners, regardless of gender, should foster collaboration and mentorship to ensure sustainable growth.
For Roldan, understanding employees’ personal and professional aspirations is vital to business success.
“It’s challenging to stay creative while working within the limitations of our partner brands,” Roldan shares. “But the biggest challenge I’ve encountered is managing people. Employees’ priorities have changed over time, and as a business leader, it’s crucial to adapt to those changes.”
Her leadership philosophy emphasizes the importance of empowerment and support within the workplace, recognizing women’s strengths in leadership roles.
“What makes women exceptional leaders is their nurturing nature. While men are goal-driven and direct, women combine goal orientation with the ability to uplift and guide their teams,” she explains. “In any workplace, women play a critical role in fostering teamwork and offering fresh perspectives that contribute to business success.”
Creating opportunities for women to thrive
The experiences of Ocillo, Pahit, and Roldan illustrate the profound impact of supportive networks and mentorship in overcoming workplace challenges. Gender equality is best advanced through collective efforts across industries, ensuring career growth, inclusive leadership, and equitable opportunities for women.
UnaCash proudly celebrates the contributions of women in financial services and beyond. By fostering an inclusive and empowering environment, businesses can drive progress and create a future where women continue to thrive and succeed.
