AXA Philippines marked this year’s Women’s Month by launching their Diversity & Inclusion Program, highlighting their flagship initiative I AM Different… I Belong. The celebration commenced with a vibrant fiesta-themed gathering at AXA Philippines’ corporate headquarters in Makati, where employees enjoyed classic Pinoy treats while watching the live first episode of EmpowerHer, the season opener program of AXA’s CICO TV.
EmpowerHer is an initiative committed to advancing women’s empowerment—both within the company and the wider community. By fostering equal opportunities, supportive policies, and inclusive practices, EmpowerHer helps women thrive personally and professionally. Through mentorship, networking, and digital literacy, it equips them with the tools to succeed in the tech industry and beyond. The first episode showcased a talk show hosted by AXA Philippines’ Head of Culture and Communications, Patrick Maghirang, featuring PBCWE Executive Director Julia Abad, AXA Philippines’ Chief HR Officer Sharon Hernandez, and Chief Transformation and Technology Officer Carlos “Caloi” Santos. The discussion explored the meaningful actions that can accelerate gender equality and women’s empowerment, both within organizations and in leadership roles.
In the photo: Sharon Hernandez, AXA Chief HR Officer
“In AXA, we strive to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, connected, and empowered to thrive,” Sharon Hernandez explained. “At the heart of this commitment is our 10-year HR Strategy, Care and Dare, which takes an inclusive approach by addressing the unique needs of every employee. Our customized benefits ensure that each individual receives the support they need, regardless of gender, reinforcing our dedication to accelerating action toward equality.”
In the photo: Julia Abad, PBCWE Executive Director
Julia Abad commended AXA Philippines for continuously taking meaningful steps forward, “It’s inspiring to see AXA’s ongoing commitment to workplace gender equality,” she remarked. “The launch of your Diversity & Inclusion Program is a testament to your dedication to equality and inclusion, especially at a time when some argue that D&I contradicts meritocracy. In reality, gender equality and inclusion are essential components of genuine meritocracy. While we’ve made progress, there is still much work to be done.”
In the photo: Caloi Santos, AXA Chief Transformation and Technology Officer
Carlos “Caloi” Santos emphasized the importance of recognizing the challenges women face. Adding to the discussion, he noted, “The first step in addressing gender biases is acknowledging that they exist. If you don’t recognize the problem, you can’t solve it.” Drawing from his experience in the male-dominated tech industry, he shared how he actively champions women leaders, ensuring that his successors in past roles were women. “Empowerment isn’t about telling someone where they should go, it’s about giving them the freedom to go wherever they want. Leaders must foster honest conversations, support inclusivity, and help individuals achieve their goals.”
The celebration continued in the afternoon, where Hubert “Buhtri” Trinidad, Employer Brand and Partnerships Head and lead for the Diversity & Inclusion Program, shared upcoming initiatives for I AM Different… I Belong, including monthly events throughout the year. “One of our core values as an organization is to move with purpose because, at AXA, we believe that real change happens when we act with intention,” Buhtri explained. Reflecting AXA’s global commitment to foster inclusive work environments, I AM Different… I Belong encourages employees to share their personal stories, allowing others to see and hear firsthand what diversity means. It also provides opportunities to connect through special interest groups, fostering a true sense of belonging within AXA.
Marine Palies, AXA Group’s Head of Inclusion & Diversity, joined virtually from Paris to deliver a special message. She emphasized AXA’s three key pillars: building an inclusive workplace, ensuring fair and equitable HR processes, and promoting inclusion beyond AXA’s internal teams. “Gender equality is about fairness for both men and women. If we truly want to achieve gender parity, we must accelerate our efforts toward gender equality and women’s rights. Performance remains critical, but we must ensure everyone has the same opportunities to succeed.”
PBCWE is proud to have AXA Philippines as a member for the past three years and to continue partnering with them in our shared commitment to advancing workplace gender equality and women’s empowerment. The launch of their Diversity & Inclusion Program is a timely and meaningful response to the call for accelerated action towards achieving gender parity, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with AXA to drive lasting change.
