In photo: Participants, led by PBCWE Executive Director Julia Abad and Straive VP for ESG Lea Villanueva

On November 18, 2025, the Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment (PBCWE) proudly welcomed its 51st member, Straive, formerly known as SPi Global, during an online welcome event celebrating a shared commitment to advancing Workplace Gender Equality (WGE), Women’s Economic Equality (WEE), and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Straive is a global content and data technology company that delivers data services, AI and analytics solutions, and technology expertise to a wide range of industries.

The welcome event officially began with opening remarks from Anna Chua-Norbert, Chief Culture Officer of DDB Group Philippines and Vice Chairperson of the PBCWE Governing Council. She commended Straive, saying, “Straive’s efforts to increase women’s participation and create inclusive growth pathways, alongside its decision to join PBCWE, are a testament to its dedication to building a safe, respectful, and equitable workplace.”

This was followed by a message of support from Maya Juwita, WGE Director at Investing in Women, who emphasized, “This collaboration between PBCWE and global companies like Straive is vital in driving systemic change. Together, we can demonstrate that gender equality is smart economics and a cornerstone of sustainable growth.”

As a global leader in content technology solutions and digital transformation, Straive has long championed DEI. Its initiatives include efforts to maintain a gender-balanced workforce and leadership ratio through a fair and inclusive talent strategy framework and customized leadership and development programs for women employees.

These include LeadHER and EmpowHER, which hone and equip women employees with leadership skills, transforming them into globally competitive leaders. Straive also created REIGNITE, a second-career program that helps women who took an extended career break return to the workforce through flexible employment options.

Parent-employees also have access to support groups such as the Support Group for Expectant Parents and Project LINK for families. Both of these help foster work-life balance and provide safe spaces for parents to connect and learn how to better navigate parenthood.

Beyond the office walls, Straive also commits to uplifting the lives of underprivileged young girls and women in the community through its Creating Shared Value (CSV) efforts, providing scholarship grants and gender-focused livelihood training programs.

By joining PBCWE, Straive strengthens its commitment to creating a safe, respectful, and equitable workplace. As Lea Villanueva, Vice President for ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), shared, “Joining PBCWE is a natural extension of our commitment to diversity and inclusion. We believe that empowering women and fostering equality is not just good for business it is essential for building a better future.”

Through this collaboration, PBCWE and Straive reaffirm their shared commitment to building diverse and inclusive workplaces that consistently deliver stronger performance. Gender equality is not only a moral imperative; it is smart economics.