March is a month of celebration and awareness, as it marks World Down Syndrome Day, Women’s History Month, and Best Buddies Philippines Month. In celebration of this, we had the privilege of sitting down with five remarkable female buddies who have Down syndrome. These five remarkable ladies gave insightful advice to other women during our conversation, stressing the value of resilience, self-assurance, and pursuing one’s dreams and interests. They openly discussed the significance of being empowered and keeping a healthy mindset, making mental health another important topic. They shared personal anecdotes, revealing their interests, skills, and unique traits, offering a genuine glimpse into their lives.
Their definition of empowered/strong women
“ A strong, independent, and inspiring woman who brings joy to others and proves that nothing is impossible.”
Kamille Tingson is a confident, independent woman and an amazing dancer. She competed in the Bocce Ladies Division at the Special Olympics in the Philippines and earned a silver medal. According to her, “An empowered woman is strong, confident, and kind. She knows who she is and stands up for what is right.”
“The best thing about me is we can talk or chat.”
DJ Reyes is a woman of many talents, she dances, sings, reads stories, and plays volleyball. She also follows a strict diet and does Zumba every morning. She hopes to be remembered as someone people can always talk to. According to her, an empowered woman is, “…Kaya nila sakripisyo para sa mga anak na nag-aaral ng mabuti po.”
On inspiring women
“I am an independent and courageous woman.”
Grace Loedin is family-oriented, courageous, and beautiful. She enjoys watching the news on a daily basis to keep up to date with current affairs around the world. For Grace, “I am most inspired by Helen Keller, she was a deaf and blind activist. I am inspired by one of her quotes, “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.”
Kamille: I would thank my mom. She always tells me to never give up, and to stay humble no matter what– she is my hero.
Kamille and Clara admire their moms for their support and wisdom, while DJ is inspired by God’s guidance and her kind female friends. Nicey looks up to her mom and sister for their loving discipline and dedication as mothers.
How to support women
“I am so beautiful, so respectful, and I am self-confident.”
Nicey Ignacio is a songwriter and a singer who publishes her songs on her TikTok account. According to her, to create a more inclusive and equal world for women, “We have to be so respectful…Be proud with yourself to be the strongest woman that we are.” She also emphasizes the importance of having the confidence to embody the strong woman within and show the world how capable women are.
To Grace, we can be more inclusive if we, “Have more job opportunities for women and women of all abilities.”
Kamille Tingson also shared her insights, “We should support women in everything they do. We should make sure that women’s work is valued, their voices are heard, and that they feel safe and respected everywhere.”
Clara Reyes stated that work-life balance is key to having good mental health. Whether it’s excelling at work or enjoying personal time, she believes in a fulfilling, well-rounded life.
Lastly, DJ Reyes also offered her perspective on how to first create a more inclusive and equal world for women, “Be respectful to all women and treat them [with] good manners in taking good care [of] them.”
On women’s mental health
In supporting the mental health of women, these ladies shared some ways to not only show support but also promote wellness by giving tips on how to handle mental strain.
Kamille: We can support women’s mental health by practicing self-care, like exercising, eating healthy, and getting enough sleep. It is also important to feel a strong and loving friendship and to confront our feelings. Asking for help when we need it is okay because we are important.
Kamille highlighted that supporting women’s mental health begins with practicing self-care. She also underscored the importance of cultivating strong relationships, addressing one’s emotions openly, and recognizing that seeking help is okay, as every individual deserves support and care.
DJ and Nicey also shared that having good mental health starts with habits such as taking your vitamins and sleeping early. Additionally, Nicey also gave importance to mindfulness and being an inspiration to other Filipinos.
Advice for women with IDD
For Kamille Tingson, her advice for women with IDD trying to break barriers is, “Don’t be afraid to show the world who you are. By sharing our stories and proving what we can do, we help make the world more inclusive. We all deserve the same respect, opportunities, and love as anyone else. Believe in yourself, there is no limit to what you can achieve.”
When breaking down boundaries, Clara also stresses the value of balance and constant effort. For people with IDD, she suggests studying every day, working harder, and taking breaks to unwind, like watching a movie.
Message for all the women
“[I am] beautiful, sweet, loving, [and] happy.”
Clara Reyes is a determined and hardworking individual who defies expectations and embraces life with passion as she balances her love for being a majorette with her job at Southstar Drug. Inspired by her mother, whom she looks up to, Clara faces challenges with strength. Her statement, “Laban!” reflects her unwavering spirit and determination to keep pushing forward, inspiring others to do the same.
When asked what their message is for all women across the world, Grace Loedin responded, “I like to tell women around the world who have disabilities like me, don’t be afraid of your disability.”
Nicey Ignacio: “Believe in yourself…because we are inspirations.”
It was our pleasure to speak with these empowered women and hear the thoughts and wisdom they shared. Their personal insights offer valuable lessons on the power of inclusivity, which will make an impact for a lifetime.
