The position of women entrepreneurs in tech varies worldwide, which reveals both encouraging trends and persistent challenges. While women make up 25% of the total tech workforce, their representation in technical roles is notably lower, especially in leadership positions where only 5% of tech startups are owned by women. Despite these statistics, the share of women in professional and technical roles is increasing, though it remains minimal in the fastest-growing tech sectors. Notably, the presence of women in senior, legislative, and managerial roles has also risen. Lower-income nations report the highest participation rates among young female entrepreneurs, and globally, one in three businesses has a woman as a principal owner.
In the Philippines, women comprise 29.2% of the tech industry but only 12.4% hold leadership roles, according to the 2023 World Economic Forum Global Gender Gap Report. This report highlights the Philippines’s ranking 16th out of 145 economies, with a gender parity score of 79.1%, the highest in Southeast Asia. These figures underscore both the strides made and the journey ahead for women in tech. Although many women work in areas such as marketing, finance, and product development rather than technical roles, they play a crucial role in supporting their technical counterparts.. As a result, they help create digital solutions that generate opportunities for others
Women Redefining the Tech Landscape in the Philippines
Here is a list of women entrepreneurs who are changing the dynamics of technology in the Philippines. Women in tech are not just participants in the Philippines, they are leaders who are opening doors for others and fostering diverse ideas and perspectives in the industry.
Female Technopreneurs In The Philippines
Table of Contents
Angeline Tham
Angeline Tham is the founder of Angkas. She founded Angkas in 2016 with her husband George Royeca. Angkas has transformed the motorcycle taxi industry in the Philippines by addressing the challenges of urban travel. Recognizing the frustrations of Manila’s traffic, Angeline developed a solution that prioritises affordability, speed, and safety for city travellers. The Angkas app has become incredibly popular, amassing over three million downloads and continuing to grow as the company expands.
Angkas offers a range of services tailored to various needs, including passenger rides, quick delivery options, healthcare services like at-home blood extraction, and package sending through Angkas Padala. The platform allows users to request bikers for transportation or delivery with ease, making it a convenient choice in a car-dominated city. With a commitment to safety, Angkas boasts an impressive safety rate of 99.997% and ensures that all rides are insured. The app is designed for quick bookings and aims to provide a smooth experience from start to finish. By breaking barriers and inspiring women throughout the Philippines and Southeast Asia, Angeline Tham continues to lead Angkas in its mission to offer efficient and reliable transportation solutions.
Robina Gokongwei Pe
Ms. Robina Gokongwei Pe has been a Director of JGS since April 2009 and currently serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc. (RRHI), one of the largest multi-format retailers in the Philippines. As the daughter of the late John Gokongwei, she has taken on the responsibility of leading a diverse portfolio of brands that includes department stores, supermarkets, toy stores, and appliance stores, making Robinsons a familiar name throughout the Philippines. Robina exemplifies bold leadership and determination as she continues to build on her father’s legacy, driving the company’s growth and shaping its future.
Robina is one of many rising women entrepreneurs who demonstrate that success comes in various forms, encouraging individuals from all backgrounds, including men and members of the LGBTQIA+ community, to pursue their dreams. In addition to her leadership roles, she is also a Director of Robinsons Land Corporation and Cebu Air, Inc., and serves as a Trustee and Secretary of the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation, Inc. and Vice Chairman of the Immaculate Conception Academy Scholarship Fund. She is a member of the Xavier School Board of Trustees and previously served on the University of the Philippines Centennial Commission. Her journey reflects a commitment to fostering growth and success for future generations.
Alice Eduardo
Alice Eduardo was born on March 20, 1965, in Manila. She is a prominent Filipino businesswoman and the founder, president, and chief executive officer of Sta. Elena Construction and Development Corporation. Alice was exposed to entrepreneurship from an early age, as she grew up in a family that owned various businesses, including a garments export venture and a rice milling operation. In 1995, she launched her own company, and marked her entry into the construction industry. She started with just four rented cranes, but she quickly secured a partnership with a Japanese construction firm and began working on significant projects, including the foundation for a power plant in Batangas.
Alice’s passion for real estate began in her college years when she purchased her first condominium in Ortigas. Her business accomplishments have earned her numerous accolades, such as being named one of Go Negosyo’s 50 Inspiring Women of Passion and receiving recognition as one of PeopleAsia’s People of the Year in 2017. In 2018, Forbes Asia honoured her as one of its Heroes of Philanthropy for her charitable contributions, including funding a paediatric ward at the Philippine General Hospital and supporting organisations like Habitat for Humanity and the Philippine Red Cross.
Known as the “Woman of Steel,” Alice Eduardo stands out in a male-dominated construction industry through her innovative approach and refusal to conform to traditional gender roles. Her journey has been characterised by sacrifices and hard work, and she is recognized not only for her business leadership but also for her commitment to building hope through job creation and infrastructure development. Alice is a remarkable figure who inspires others through her achievements and philanthropic efforts, demonstrating that strong leadership can pave the way for progress in both business and society
Teresita Sy-Coson
Teresita Sy-Coson is a prominent figure in the Philippines. She is leading various sectors of SM Investments Corporation, which was founded by her late father, Henry Sy. As the vice chairwoman of SMIC, one of the largest publicly traded holding companies in the Philippines, she plays a crucial role in its continued growth and success. Teresita is also the chairwoman of BDO Unibank, the largest bank in the Philippines, which showcases her influence across banking and finance.
Her journey in entrepreneurship began with her family’s businesses, and she has since become a role model for aspiring women entrepreneurs. By following in her father’s footsteps, Teresita not only honors his legacy but also inspires a new generation of women to achieve their own successes. In addition to her leadership roles, she is involved with SM Foundation, Inc., where she focuses on sustainability initiatives in education, healthcare, livelihood, and shelter. She also serves as an adviser to the Board of Directors at SM Prime Holdings, Inc., and represented the Philippines on the ASEAN Business Advisory Council from 2011 to 2019.
With her extensive experience in retail merchandising, mall development, and banking, Teresita has been recognized as one of Fortune’s 50 Power BusinessWomen. Her contributions to various industries and her commitment to social responsibility make her an influential icon in the business community.
Sam Blanquera
Sam Blanquera is a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in various leadership roles within the business sector. Currently, she serves as the Co-founder and Chief Operations Officer of Shoppable Business, the leading B2B marketplace in the Philippines. Her impressive background includes positions at several companies such as AHG Lab, Sterling Galleon Corporation, and Openovate Labs, among others. Sam is also pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus on Tariff and Customs Administration at the Lyceum of the Philippines University.
At Shoppable Business, Sam collaborates closely with the founder, Carlo Silva, to support startups, established businesses, and aspiring entrepreneurs. The company is dedicated to enhancing eCommerce through specialised logistics, marketplace solutions, B2B tools, and financial products. Sam is committed to transforming the eCommerce landscape into a diverse and authentic ecosystem, together with her talented team.
Rissa Mananquil Trillo
Rissa Mananquil Trillo is a renowned model and beauty columnist who has always aspired to create her own makeup line that would celebrate Filipina beauty while caring for the skin. With her extensive experience in testing various makeup brands, Rissa aimed to develop products she could genuinely endorse. This ambition led to the founding of Happy Skin, a cosmetics and skincare brand that is gaining recognition as a global Filipino brand, built by Filipino minds committed to delivering world-class quality.
Happy Skin focuses on celebrating the unique beauty of Filipinas and aims to inspire women of all ages across the Philippines. Rissa recognized the need for products specifically designed for Filipino skin, and her dedication to this vision drove her through the challenges of entrepreneurship. Establishing Happy Skin required time, collaboration, and numerous trials, but Rissa’s commitment has made her a notable figure in the beauty industry. Through her efforts, she has not only created high-quality products but has also encouraged countless Filipinos to pursue their dreams.
Carmina Bayombong
Carmina Bayombong is a leading figure in technological development and innovation both in the Philippines and globally. As the Co-Founder and CEO of InvestEd, she has created a platform dedicated to providing underprivileged youth with access to quality education. Under her leadership, InvestEd has assisted thousands of students across 585 universities in 64 provinces, gaining recognition from various news outlets worldwide. Carmina’s vision is to empower Filipino youth by breaking down barriers to success through educational loans, skills coaching, and emotional support.
InvestEd is recognized as one of the top educational loan providers in the Philippines. The company aims to establish a sustainable student loan program across developing nations. Carmina has trained over 10,000 young people in essential skills such as employment readiness and financial literacy, while also raising millions for education-focused initiatives. With a decade of experience in education finance, she has represented Asia in international forums and has a strong focus on social innovation.
Carmina holds a degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of the Philippines and has completed various certificates in entrepreneurship and data strategy. She previously served as the Sustainability Director for DARC Labs, the first nonprofit in the Philippines to focus on artificial intelligence for social progress. Her work has earned her numerous accolades, including being named a Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 Honoree and a laureate of the Cartier Women’s Initiative. Through her efforts, Carmina Bayombong continues to inspire change and promote opportunities for youth in a rapidly evolving world.
Angela Chen-Delantar
Angela Chen-Delantar is a prominent figure in the field of education technology as the Co-Founder and CEO of Eskwelabs. She was recognized in Forbes 30 Under 30. She leads a venture-backed startup that focuses on providing data skills education. Eskwelabs aims to equip individuals with the necessary skills to pursue career opportunities in business, finance, and technology both locally and internationally.
The innovative platform employs cohort learning and coaching to make education more accessible and impactful. Angela’s vision is to democratize access to quality job opportunities in the Philippines, particularly for women and youth. Eskwelabs stands out as an online data upskilling school, utilizing unique educational delivery methods that reach a wider audience than traditional bootcamps.
With a strong emphasis on impact, the programs offered by Eskwelabs have proven successful, with 90 percent of graduates securing jobs within 90 days and experiencing a 50 percent increase in their starting salaries. Through her leadership, Angela continues to inspire many and drive technological advancements that open doors for aspiring professionals in the ever-evolving job market.
Conclusion
A few years ago, women-owned enterprises accounted for only 20% of all businesses, but this number is expected to grow to 33% by 2030. This shift is having a significant impact on the economy, as women-led ventures generate employment for over 27 million people in the Philippines. The business landscape in the Philippines is experiencing a positive transformation as more women enter the field. These businesses not only create jobs but also contribute to overall economic growth. For many women, owning a business provides the independence they seek and the economic and social success they need.
Nationally, female entrepreneurship is essential for future economic prosperity. As women continue to shape industries and drive innovation, their contributions are reshaping the way business is conducted. Supporting women entrepreneurs is crucial for promoting equity and justice, but it also serves as a smart strategy for economic development. By empowering women in business, we enhance our local and national economies while inspiring future generations to pursue their dreams and overcome obstacles.
