(Press Release)
To commemorate #IWD2022, Twitter is bringing back its Southeast Asia-wide #SheInspiresMe campaign to highlight the unique and influential voices of women who inspire people in their communities to break the bias and #OwnIt. A global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, International Women’s Day aims to help forge a gender-equal world.
Twitter is where people go to discuss various passions and interests such as NFTs, music, and gaming. Now more than ever, women are using Twitter to bring more focus on significant issues like women’s equality in the workplace and in society. Women contribute, shape, and lead key moments on Twitter–which the #SheInspiresMe campaign would like to give the spotlight by featuring women who inspire and empower like-minded people in their communities.
From beauty queens, entrepreneurs, author, artist, gamer, doctor, and all in between, here is a #IWD Twitter Lists of multi-hyphenated women you may want to follow:
Alex Bruce (@AlexThurstenB) – Singer
Alex Bruce says that her song, Dime Girls is the best representation of the gender-related challenges she encountered and how she won over them. On her songwriting process, she shares that she considers going to Twitter as her pastime, wherein she looks for feel-good content that will lift up her mood and give her the inspiration to write songs.
“When us women know our worth, and us not relying on anyone, us being independent. Be free. Be yourself. Dime girl, we’re gonna show the world that we’re doing just fine!”
Alexa Asahina (@alexaasahina) – Model, Streamer, Pro Player
Alexa Asahina (@alexaasahina) is a model, streamer, and pro player who won as the Queen of Tekken Philippines during a showmatch battle for Bandai Namco’s Tekken Tournament in 2020. Asahina believes and proves that hard work and passion, and not gender, are the basis of strength in gaming. More importantly, she believes that representation matters, so she goes to Twitter to express her thoughts and to empower women in the gaming field.
“To be honest, the gaming industry is a male-dominated scene. And I’ve always believed that women have a place there as well. I’m creating a community, a safe space for women where you can play (along) with them, talk to them, share ideas on how to do better without being judged like ‘oh, that’s just a woman.’ I’ve experienced a lot of discrimination where they’ll be like ‘oh, why are you here, don’t belong here’ because they think I wouldn’t be as strong as them. I have always wanted to tell them that you can be strong. We can be strong. We are strong.”
Chezka Gonzales (@pilotchezka_NFT) – Pilot, Reservist, Registered Nurse
Chezka Gonzales (@pilotchezka_NFT) is a Filipina pilot, reservist, registered nurse, and more; but it’s her newfound passion for NFT that took off and inspired her to found her own community, Women Of Substance, wherein they champion charities, scholarships, and empowerment not just in the country, but also for women around the globe. She shared that she started her NFT journey on Twitter, wherein she met other enthusiasts who inspire her and allow her community to grow.
“Twitter is more on if you are actually a crypto enthusiast and NFT enthusiasts or even experts — and they’re all here (on Twitter). Twitter has helped me reach a lot of people in the whole world, and I also educate myself and learn also from these experts. Women of Substance NFT is all about women empowerment, diversity, giving scholarships, helping charities, and giving job opportunities. I want that Twitter page to be very inspirational, that’s why we publish videos with stories of inspiring women every day. And it’s important for Filipinos also to know about NFT because this is the future. It can open doors and opportunities, especially for artists and young artists to showcase their artwork and at the same time earn from it…and I hope to see more female and NFT projects.”
Mandy Nokom (@mandynokom) – Voice Talent
People might have heard Mandy Nokom‘s (@mandynokom) voice on the airwaves, commercials, and other projects, but she admits that the industry still has the tendency to restrict women in a box. For one, she has experienced being limited to a particular role, when in fact her voice can bring life into more characters that transcend gender or age. Hence, being on Twitter is helpful to free herself from the box and to widen opportunities and support for women in their field.
“I am grateful for online platforms such as Twitter because I am able to show another side of me and not be afraid because there are also people who sound off and agree with what I have to say! I get to show more of my personality and interests that are ever evolving, to casters and producers that are potentially in the same platform and they can possibly see it and could tap it into different creative pursuits. I am also very grateful to women casting directors who understand the struggle and they do their best to properly tap into your potential without breaking your spirit!”
Mela Habijan (@missmelahabijan) – Miss Trans Global 2020
Mela Habijan is the first-ever Miss Trans Global, winning the crown in 2020. As a trans woman, Mela shared that there’s a constant challenge to combat transphobia as discrimination happens every day. Still, Mela stood up not just for herself but for the whole LGBTQIA+ community to inspire and help them affirm their power. Mela also uses Twitter to educate and meet women allies who help her build a respectful, celebrating, and loving space for the community.
“Twitter has become a platform, for me, in educating Filipinos about LGBTQIA+ identity and championing our rights. It has empowered me to speak up and stand against discrimination. At the same time, engaging with advocates of anti-discrimination on Twitter also helped me learn more about the power of diversity and equality, and deepen the “why” of my advocacy. I’m a firm believer that queens are leaders who can shape mindsets. And having Twitter as a platform, I have discovered that there are open-minded people who are willing to listen and consequently, unlearn traditions that are LGBTQIA+-phobic.”
Saab Magalona (@saabmagalona) – Musician, Podcaster, Content Creator
Saab Magalona is a multi-hyphenated woman: a musician, podcaster, content creator, and mom. With the many hats she wears, Saab defines female empowerment as “the reminder to break away from the fear that society has ingrained in women” and that women have always had power that they need to embrace and get comfortable with.
When asked about challenges related to gender stereotypes, Saab shared: “‘Be quiet and just take care of your kids.’ This is a line I have been sent more than once whenever I weigh in on topics other than motherhood. It’s such a stereotype that mothers should just be changing diapers, or cooking for their families when in fact, it’s motherhood that has pushed me into doing so much more.”
Everyone has their own female role models and the people they look up to. With Twitter Lists, you can stay updated on their inspiring conversations and share your own Twitter Lists to give inspiration and encouragement to others in your communities.
Go to the navigation bar in your Twitter app and tap List in your profile icon menu. Once you have created a List, add a short description and simply start adding people to it.
Everyone can participate in the #SheInspiresMe is a campaign to share and amplify inspiration during the #IWD2022 celebration month. Be sure to follow Twitter’s #IWD2022 Lists to connect with women who are committed to uplifting others and to #OwnIt.
Be the spark and create your own Twitter List. Don’t forget to tag us @TwitterPH and let’s continue to elevate the voice of women on Twitter together this #InternationalWomensDay.
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