I have always been aware of the presence of the Filipino Women’s Association-UK, but I was not made aware of the impact it has had in the community until I became a member in 2017.
I attended the General Meeting in May 2018 and that’s when I met some of the trustees and active members of the Association. Dr. Remy Reyes, a highly accomplished first chairman of the Association, gave a talk about the history and the mission and vision of the Association which was inspiring and uplifting, ex-chairman Nene Martin who gave up her seat for me with her optimistic smile (later I found out that she was nearly 80 years old and loved art and poetry), influential Zanie Del Mundo who recruited me and introduced me to everyone present, and Janette Thompson, who was the chairman at the time, showed enthusiasm about the Association’s objectives. I was passionate about advocating Filipino women’s rights and educating children. I knew then, I joined the right Association.
In September 2018, I was asked if I wanted to be on the Executive Board. Having already been a member for a year, I was eligible to become a Trustee and an officer. I remember when the Association’s adviser and ex-chairman Nenita Garrad asked me “are you able to commit your time to FWA-UK since you have young children?” This was a very serious question for me because it meant that I had to divide and dedicate my time between my law firm, family, and the Association. My answer to Tita Nenita was “As long as I have the support of my husband and family, I will make it work.” And so, I did.
In 2018, I became the Vice-Chairman for two years and was re-appointed as Vice-Chairman for Internal Affairs in 2020 for another two-year term. In a span of 4 years, I co-chaired the Membership and Personal Development Committee, became the chair of the Publicity Committee, assisted in organising events such as Christmas party, Philippine National Day Dinner-Gala, forum on Modern Slavery of Overseas Domestic Workers in the Middle East, International Women’s Day and drafted and checked legal documents. It surprised me how much work involved in running a charity particularly raising funds for the scholars in the Philippines, but it immensely developed my knowledge and skills in my role as a trustee and for this, I am grateful. I have also met many dynamic and strong personalities in the Association who had a positive effect in my life. The friendship I have formed with some of the ladies is a bond which I hope will remain.
Thank you, FWA-UK, for a meaningful experience!
Crystal Dias