Women Discuss Wealth & Well-being at AIA & She Talks Asia Roundtable in Phillipines

• Women representing a variety of backgrounds engaged in an open and introspective roundtable
• The conference was jointly organized by She Talks Asia and AIA Philippines
• Participants objected to stereotypes concerning women's well-being and wealth

Women from across various backgrounds gathered for an open and insightful roundtable co-organized by AIA Philippines and She Talks Asia. The session offered a space to openly debate issues usually hidden under wraps, debunk myths, and unpack restrictive beliefs stunting women's prosperity and wellness.

The debate provided women a safe platform where they could recast their perceptions of money, challenge social beliefs, and negotiate short-term vs. long-term objectives. Conundrums like not wanting to discuss money and undervaluing oneself have to be more openly discussed.

Challenging Limiting Beliefs among Filipinas She Talks Asia co-founders Lynn Pinugu, Bianca Gonzales, and Iza Calzado talked about how cultural conditioning and hiya (shame) prevent Filipino women from discussing money.

Lynn explained, "We were taught that money talk is taboo and to be content with what we have." Iza added, "A lot of us were taught to think that asking for more is too much, but it's okay to ask for what you deserve."

This struck a chord with so many women, bringing out how many still feel that they shouldn't be assertive with money. This leads to second-guessing in money decisions and being afraid to ask for assistance. The women in the room concurred that it's time to break free of these old habits, own our financial power, and take control of our own futures.

AIA Philippines CEO Melita Teo likewise shared her own experience, and how crucial it is to initiate these kinds of conversations: "I also had to become more confident in discussing finances as part of my job. By giving my best in every job and asking for advice, I slowly built that confidence." CMO Melissa Henson shared her sentiment, saying, "The sooner you get a handle on your finances, the more peace of mind you'll have as you go forward."

The roundtable provided real advice and motivational ideas for enhancing financial health. Janna Simpao, Bride and Breakfast founder, stressed that knowing your value and money begins at home. "If we start within our homes and communities, we can create change and make money talk normal among women." Entrepreneur and athlete Zara Carbonell-Near proposed substituting the restrictive word "budget" with the more empowering "priorities," a tiny but significant change in perspective.

Mariel Bitanga, Simply Finance PH founder, reminded everyone that financial literacy is something that could be learned, rather than being born with it. Her number one tip: "Confront your finances. It's the most challenging, but most crucial aspect." The conversation also underscored the importance of looking to the future and finding advice and financial instruments, including AIA Ascend insurance products, with which to get there and plan for short-term and long-term goals, as well as a secure future. They provide an essential safety net and allow women to invest with confidence. The need for financial security was the overarching theme, with members reiterating the sense of security that accrued from planning for the future.

As AIA Philippines CMO Melissa Henson pointed out, “Insurance isn’t an expense. It’s an investment in your peace of mind. Getting insured early means protecting your future at a lower cost, especially while you’re healthy.”

The discussion then turned to the critical connection between economic health and overall well-being, how women are socialized to put others first, burn out, and lose them. They spoke of the "good woman" myth of self-denial and how this affects emotional labor, caregiving, and the shame many women feel when they put themselves first due to societal expectations.

.Members learned that optimal health involves every aspect of life, not just financial success, and that being good to oneself is the key to being the best possible partners, parents, and professionals. Not only a conversation, the AIA Philippines and She Talks Asia roundtable kindled a powerful change, inspiring women to reclaim self-confidence, challenge their assumptions about health and finances, claim their worth, and build a future around wellness. That fire will burn bright for generations to come.