When we think of women this Women’s Month, we immediately think of role models—those we look up to not only for inspiration and aesthetics but the principles and values they hold that motivate us to shed light and take action on important issues in society today. Indeed, there is so much more to a beautiful face and a woman with power, and that is a heart that empathizes with and actively supports others.
If you’re looking for role models with more than just beauty and power, here are five local and international women with advocacies you too can participate in:
1. Anne Curtis
One of the most influential personalities in the Philippines, actress and TV host Anne Curtis is more than the woman we see on screen in various movies, teleseryes, and ‘It’s Showtime.’ A wife to Erwan Heussaff and mother to her three-year-old daughter, Dahlia Amélie, she actively supports UNICEF, an organization that supports and protects the rights of children.
Anne started her UNICEF ambassadorship in 2015 and has been advocating since. Her recent post on Instagram shares her 42-kilometer marathon win in Tokyo, Japan, where she raised funds to put up TeleCPUs in barangays across the country.
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2. Heart Evangelista
You’ve definitely seen her well-curated Instagram posts on her trips to Paris and Milan for fashion week all year round, but behind the luxe and glam is a fur parent at heart. Filipina actress, businesswoman, and socialite Heart Evangelista is a staunch spokesperson for the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS). At any opportunity, she makes the time to promote animal rights as well as adopting instead of ‘shopping’ for pedigree dogs.
Her Aspin, Panda Escudero, is one lucky dog under Heart’s wing!
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3. Gabbi Garcia
In a society where women of color are often shamed for being shades darker than others, Filipina actress and content creator Gabbi Garcia brings confidence and pride to her skin.
Hailed as the new brand ambassador for LazBeauty, Gabbi Garcia represents all the morenas in the PH. “Gabbi is the perfect personification of everything that LazBeauty stands for. She is authentic, confident, and she really continues to redefine how Filipina beauty is today,” said Kitty Calderon, Lazada PH Head of Marketing.
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4. Bella Hadid
Yes, her name is Bella Hadid. An American supermodel of Dutch and Palestinian descent, she uses her platform to speak up about her Palestinian people. Not only does Bella acknowledge her heritage, but also finds ways to spread news, help, and donate. Where most models choose to stay silent over controversial and sensitive topics for fear of losing their job, Bella makes use of her privilege and her audience.
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5. Selena Gomez
We knew her since our childhood days in Disney, up to recent news of internet drama between Hailey and Justin Bieber/Kylie and Kendall Jenner. Beyond being an actress, talented singer, and businesswoman to Rare Beauty, Selena earnestly encourages mental health awareness among her fans and followers.
“Mental health impacts all of us, and we each have a role to play in ensuring that everyone — regardless of their background — has access to mental health services. I hope by sharing my own story and using my platform, we can empower each other and more young people to address mental health,” said Gomez in a statement.
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Even when it’s not Women’s Month, these ladies still stand for what they believe in no matter the circumstance. We hope that as you continue to grow and seek change, one of their admirable causes will become your own.
banner by: @justdrawrin
