In celebration of Women’s Month, SM Investments Corporation (SM) reaffirms its dedication to equal opportunity and meritocracy, empowering women as a key factor in its ongoing corporate success. The company has firmly integrated these principles into its business model, fostering a dynamic, inclusive workforce that fuels sustainable growth and long-term prosperity.
Elizabeth Anne “Lizanne” Uychaco, executive vice-president for corporate services and group diversity officer at SM, emphasizes that “empowering women through equal opportunity and meritocracy drives performance and promotes growth of organizations.” At SM, women represent 64 percent of the workforce, with 58 percent of them holding senior leadership positions—an achievement that underscores the company’s commitment to gender balance in leadership.
Leny Hernandez, senior vice-president for human resources at SM Retail, highlights the company’s impressive gender representation, noting that in retail, women make up 60 percent of the workforce, with female employees holding twice as many senior management and executive roles as their male counterparts.
SM’s focus on gender equality was also acknowledged at the 2024 Philippines Women’s Empowerment Principles Awards, where the company was recognized for its transparency and leadership in gender equality. These efforts extend beyond the workplace, with SM championing sustainability initiatives led by women, such as the SM Hotels’ Tela Tales campaign and the SM Store’s Green Finds Tarp project.
As SM continues to adapt to an evolving business landscape, it remains committed to providing equal opportunities for all, driving both commercial success and positive societal impact for generations to come.
