Ah-Na Marie Mira first enrolled in the Global Peace Women Leadership Academy (GPWLA) program in June to build her leadership capacity, but as graduates of the academy quickly learn, moral and innovative leadership really begins in the heart and home. GPWLA delegates learn to established meaningful partnerships in their community to address challenges with creative and effective solutions.

Ah-Na soon launched a program to inspire more young women to contribute as leaders in their community called the Girls Empowerment Leadership Training program in the Philippines with the support of Bernardo F. San Juan National High School and Inner Wheel Club of Central Pasig. Thirty girls between the age of 13 and 16 years old participated in the training.

School principal Mrs. Ludina S. Cequeña stated that this training was critical at the time because it would give the girls the opportunity to grow their confidence and empower them as leaders. Novie Ann Varias, Gender and Development Coordinator of Bernardo F. San Juan National High School also stated:

“I believe the reason why there aren’t a lot of female leaders today is because of our past expectations and [the abuse of] gender roles… I believe that over time there will be more and more female leaders, but for now, all we can do is settle into the new standards and encourage others to do so as well. A training that can shape [women’s] character and boost their confidence is great help.”