Norj Guro & Winnie Verano Advocate for Women’s Boxing at PCW Dialogue

Filipina Champions Verano and Guro Advocate for Sports Equality in Dialogue with the Philippine Commission on Women

women Boxing Champs Wenie Verano and NorJ Guro at Philippine Commission on Women

Women Can Excel in Boxing

Boxing has long been a male-dominated sport, with men typically taking center stage in the ring. However, unbeknownst to many Filipino boxing fans, the country boasts exceptional female boxers who have made significant strides in the sport.

Norj Guro (13-9-1), a native of Iligan City, is a former WBC Silver Atomweight titleholder and the reigning WIBA World Atomweight Champion. Meanwhile, her stablemate, Winnie Cline Verano (12-0, 8 KOs), remains undefeated and currently holds the WBC Asian Flyweight Championship. Both athletes have not only represented the Philippines on the international stage but have also proven that women can excel in a sport traditionally dominated by men.

Advocating for Gender Equality in Sports

On March 19, 2025, as part of the Women's Month celebration, Guro and Verano participated in a dialogue with the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW)—the country’s policymaking, advisory, and coordinating body for gender-responsive initiatives. The meeting focused on promoting gender equality in sports, particularly in boxing, and exploring ways to empower female athletes.

Representing the PCW at the discussion were Nharleen Santos-Millar (OIC-Executive Director), Armando G. Orcilla Jr. (OIC-PDPMED), and Macario T. Jusayan (OIC-Deputy Director for Operations). Joining the champions in this initiative were representatives from the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) Gender and Development Focal Point System (GFPS) Committee, including Jan Kenner So, Ma. Elvira Petalcorin, and Atty. Fahima Malambut. Also present was Marvin Alegria, representing Brico Santig’s Highland Boxing Promotions, one of the few Filipino promoters actively advocating and promoting women’s boxing both locally and internationally.

Strengthening Collaboration and Awareness

The discussion centered on increasing awareness and fostering greater equality for women in boxing. PCW members expressed enthusiasm in learning about the struggles and triumphs of female boxers and committed to supporting initiatives that promote their visibility.

One key outcome of the meeting was an invitation extended to Guro and Verano to speak at an upcoming event at Caraga State University in Butuan, where they will inspire and educate young women about boxing and sports in general.

The dialogue also covered potential collaborations between GAB and PCW to amplify awareness of women’s achievements in sports through various media platforms and initiatives. Additionally, there were discussions on strengthening ties with other government agencies, such as DepEd and CHED, to introduce sports awareness programs at an early stage for young women.

Moreover, the importance of leveraging Republic Act No. 9710, the Magna Carta of Women (MCW)—a comprehensive Philippine law aimed at eliminating discrimination against women—was emphasized. The PCW committed to reviewing how the MCW can be better utilized to support female athletes, particularly in boxing.

Overcoming Challenges in Women’s Boxing

Although unable to attend the meeting in person, Gary Conolly of VSG Promotions, an Australian company that trains, promotes, and supports boxers—including Guro and Verano—sent a message of support. Conolly, a long-time advocate for gender equality in sports, has worked with female boxers for nearly a decade, using boxing as a platform to promote awareness.

He, along with Guro and Verano, highlighted the challenges female boxers face, including limited fight opportunities, lack of sponsorships, and insufficient media coverage. Despite these hurdles, they remain determined to push for greater recognition and support for women in the sport.

Women Can Fight—and Win

Being part of this meeting was a rare and valuable opportunity for me, and I was honored to witness what could be the beginning of a stronger collaboration between two key Philippine government agencies. It was inspiring to hear firsthand how these initiatives could drive meaningful change for women in sports.

Women can fight and win—not just inside the ring but in every arena where men have traditionally dominated. Guro and Verano are living proof that, given the right attention and equal opportunities, female athletes can achieve greatness.