What Makes a Strong Woman?: MSU at Naawan Features Inspiring Community Stories in Weekly Documentary Series

Written by Darlene M. Reble

In celebration of Women’s Month, the Mindanao State University at Naawan (MSUN) Gender and Development (GAD) office is exploring the question, "What makes a woman strong?" by showcasing the powerful, personal stories of empowered entrepreneurs, differently-abled individuals, widows, and single supermoms from within the university and the surrounding Naawan community.

This initiative includes a new weekly documentary series, “What Makes a Strong Woman?”, which champions inclusivity by highlighting inspiring figures who demonstrate profound strength in the face of adversity.

The celebration features extraordinary tales of resilience, including that of Ms. Juliet Madula, an MSUN employee. Ms. Madula faced a dual crisis: she was diagnosed with cancer just two days after her husband's passing. She shared her story of confronting immense challenges, from managing her professional life while grieving to caring for her three children. "It was my belief in God that sustained me through it all," she attested.

In one of the series' most moving features, the MSUN team visited Barangay Don Pedro to document the story of Ms. Mary Ann Sebial, a polio survivor, and her daughter, Merchellyn, who was born with a physical deformity. The interview details their struggle to access healthcare and support, while Merchellyn bravely recounts the discrimination that hinders her from living a typical teenage life. Despite these obstacles, the mother-daughter duo’s perseverance and optimism are remarkable. Their message is clear: “Disability does not define capability.” Their story is a powerful call for respect, equal opportunities, and stronger community support systems.

The series also turns its lens to the resilience required in entrepreneurship. Viewers are introduced to Ms. Jessa Melody Goloran, a devoted mother who manages her own business while her husband works overseas. She opens up about the realities of being an OFW spouse, sharing her strategies for balancing motherhood and business, from time management to the emotional resilience required to make key decisions independently.

The series also features Ms. Lexin Mae Lacsi, owner of Kurdapya Online Shop, who balances her venture with being a dedicated civil servant and a mother of two. She traces the origins of her business from a simple hobby, which, with encouragement from family, she grew into a full-fledged enterprise. Her story is a testament to how passion and community support can empower women to succeed.

Through these diverse narratives, MSU at Naawan is showcasing the many faces of strength, whether it's persisting despite health challenges, facing discrimination, or managing the complex demands of family, distance, and work. The weekly series serves not only as a platform to amplify these powerful voices but also as a call to action: to recognize women’s vital roles, support their journeys, and champion inclusive spaces where every individual can thrive.