Catriona Gray, naglabas ng saloobin para sa kababaihan: “Are men ever asked the same thing?”

• Catriona Gray speaks at the 2nd She Shines Summit about using one’s voice to empower others
• She reflects on personal growth and learning to give herself grace since her pageant days
• Gray challenges the societal expectation that women must choose between love life and career
• She reminds young women not to compare their lives to social media highlight reels

Catriona Gray urged women to embrace their individuality and challenge societal expectations during the 2nd She Shines Summit last March 28 at Gallio Events Hall. The Miss Universe 2018 titleholder was welcomed by women from diverse industries as she delivered her keynote address.

Gray highlighted the importance of women using their voices to create opportunities and lift others.

“There is a lot of work to be done in terms of women's empowerment and improving the lives of Filipinas in the Philippines,” she told ABS-CBN News.

“Including pleading with our higher-ranking officials to improve women's access to opportunities, education, and a lot of the intersectionality that comes with women's health care, among other things. So there is still a lot of work to be done. So we just need to keep pushing.”

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Reflecting on her own journey, Gray shared how her understanding of womanhood has evolved.

“I believe I entered the public eye at the age of 21 or 22, so I was still a baby. Now that I'm 32, I've gained a lot of information and experience, and I believe that as a recurring theme in my reflections on my womanhood, I've learned to offer myself grace,” she explained.

She also addressed the pressures women face to choose between love life and career.

“I don't understand why we always have to put a tie or a label to what women can do and can be,” Gray said.

“‘Anong pipiliin mo? Love life or career?’ Why do we always need to choose? Are men ever asked the same thing? Hindi naman. It's very limiting.”

Ending her talk, Gray offered advice to young women navigating social media pressures.

“Don't compare yourself to me or anyone else you admire behind all of those shining highlights. Life is full of challenges, trials, and failures, even in my own journey, so don't compare yourself to anyone because comparison is the thief of joy,” she said.

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Her message emphasized self-acceptance, personal values, and finding joy in one's own path, encouraging women to see their unique strengths as part of a larger movement toward empowerment.

Catriona Gray is a Filipina-Australian singer, model, television host, and beauty queen who gained worldwide recognition after winning Miss Universe 2018. Prior to her global victory, she earned the Miss Universe Philippines 2018 title and previously represented the country at Miss World 2016, finishing in the Top 5. Beyond pageantry, Catriona is admired for her eloquence, strong advocacies, and philanthropic work. She has also ventured into music and entertainment, performing at events, appearing on television, and inspiring fans worldwide.

In separate news, Catriona Gray shared a heartwarming birthday tribute for her father on Instagram, calling him her "forever young papa bear." In the touching post, she expressed her excitement to celebrate the special day together soon. Fans responded warmly, appreciating the beauty queen’s loving words and her public display of affection for family. The gesture highlighted Catriona’s close bond with her father and showcased her ability to balance fame with heartfelt family moments.

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Meanwhile, in celebration of her birthday, Catriona Gray raised ₱442,500 for Smile Train Philippines through a special fundraiser. The proceeds will help provide surgeries, consultations, orthodontic treatment, and speech therapy for children with cleft conditions. The initiative launched on January 1, ahead of her January 6 birthday, and donors contributing at least ₱2,500 or $43 received a personalized video greeting from the former Miss Universe. The campaign reflected Catriona’s dedication to charitable work and helping children in need.

Source: KAMI.com.gh