In recognition of women triumphing e-commerce across Southeast Asia
Related: Lazada Has Transformed E-Commerce in Southeast Asia
When we think of women leaders, we remember their breakthroughs in the moments we least expect anyone to deliver—particularly in crisis situations.
In celebration of International Women’s Day, Lazada hosted the second edition of the Lazada Forward Women Awards 2022. A total of 18 women entrepreneurs owning successful businesses on Lazada were recognised across seven award categories: Creative, Enterprising, Inspiring, Rising Star, Bricks to Clicks Tech Adopter, Social Star and the most prestigious Lazada Forward Woman of the Year Award. The top honors were conferred to six sellers from each of the territories Lazada operates in which are Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
Clinching top honors for the Philippines is Monalisa Gao, winner of the Lazada Forward Woman of the Year. In her seven years in the industry, Gao has learned a lot through the challenges that motivated her to work towards success. Her e-commerce business Lucky HR Technology provides quality electronic gadgets as well as home and living products, leading the market by supplying top brands and meeting the changing demands of its Filipino consumers.
Meanwhile, Elyse Juan received the Bricks to Clicks Tech Adopter award. This third-generation member of the family business Papemelroti was able to launch their official Lazmall store during the height of the pandemic—while being eight months pregnant—and transform their family’s brick and mortar store into a thriving online business. What started with her grandmother’s scrap cloth and creativity became an avenue to support their growing team of 20 members and a continuing reminder to inspire artistry among people.
Fellow Filipina Evan Maderazo was also recognized, bagging the runner-up place for the Inspiring award. She discovered Lazada in 2019 through her brother, who also has his own store. Now, she is the owner of Filipino footwear brand Sundals with a bigger vision of contributing to the community by promoting and showcasing traditional skills and locally-sourced materials.
Lazada’s award categories demonstrate the resilience and can-do spirit of women business owners pursuing and realizing their entrepreneurial vision. Beyond achieving economic success, they are also role models, contributing back and creating impact within their local communities—and most importantly, daring to break all forms of bias.