Mission 1: Empowering Future Virtual Assistants in Davao City
On January 18, 2025, the Paglaum Women’s Project launched its first mission in Davao City with a free, one-day workshop aimed at introducing individuals to the world of virtual assistance (VA). Held at a local venue, the event attracted a diverse group of 76 participants, ranging in age from 21 to 45 years, with varying levels of experience and employment status.
The Mission’s Goal: Empowering through Knowledge
The workshop’s primary objective was to provide participants with foundational VA skills, equip them with knowledge about freelancing, and create a supportive community for future virtual assistants. The mission also served as an introduction to the digital economy and the growing demand for VAs in the global workforce.
Trainers Jenneth, Carmi, and Jeralyn led the sessions, offering their expertise on everything from the basic responsibilities of a VA to advanced tips for securing remote work. The event was designed to ensure that individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of their financial situation, had access to the necessary tools to succeed in the VA industry. By keeping the event free of charge, the Paglaum Women’s Project made sure that the workshop was accessible to all who were eager to learn.
A Day of Learning and Growth
The workshop covered a range of essential topics, including:
Introduction to Virtual Assistance: Participants gained a clear understanding of what VAs do and the key skills required to excel in this field.
Essential VA Skills: Sessions included training on managing emails, scheduling, and handling basic administrative tasks.
Tools & Software: An overview of essential VA tools such as Google Workspace, Trello, and Canva was provided, ensuring participants were ready to work efficiently in a digital environment.
Freelancing Platforms: Attendees were taught how to find VA jobs, build an online presence, and navigate freelancing platforms to secure remote work.
Hands-on Exercises: Interactive activities allowed participants to practice real-world tasks, building confidence and practical skills.
The diverse group included individuals at varying experience levels, from beginners (66%) to intermediate (24%) and advanced (10%) participants. The majority of attendees were unemployed (46%) or working as freelancers (38%), with a small portion already employed (16%).
Key Takeaways
The workshop left attendees feeling more confident and empowered to pursue careers in virtual assistance. Participants gained:
A deeper understanding of the role and responsibilities of a VA.
Practical knowledge of the tools and tasks involved in VA work.
Insights into freelancing platforms and how to land jobs in the industry.
A network of like-minded individuals who can support each other on their journey toward becoming successful VAs.
Looking Ahead
Mission 1 was just the beginning of the Paglaum Women’s Project’s efforts to provide women in Mindanao with the skills and confidence they need to enter the freelancing world. With the success of this event, the program plans to identify potential candidates for more advanced training and future career opportunities in virtual assistance.
Through events like this, the Paglaum Women’s Project continues its mission to empower individuals by equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the ever-growing digital economy. The future looks bright for those who attended Mission 1, and we can’t wait to see how they will take the next step in their VA journeys.