Women’s conference to cover faith, mental health, perimenopause, other topics

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Most, if not all, women will probably agree with me when I say that we face many challenges in today’s day and age. We navigate different roles, and juggle so many tasks. We often feel rushed and pressured to conform to society’s standards. 

We feel that we’re “not good enough.” We’re overwhelmed by the different seasons of life. We struggle to set boundaries, and end up stressed and exhausted. We worry while we wait for God to answer our prayers.

And if you’re over 40 years old (like me!), it doesn’t help that your hormones and body have seemed to “go crazy” with menopause on the horizon!

So what’s a woman to do then? How can we make things better?

Well, for one thing, I’d say that attending events like the upcoming Jewels Conference would be a big help.

The Conference is an event that seeks to empower women in their personal journey of balancing their roles, careers, relationships, and dreams. Happening on August 8 at Space at One Ayala, it will surely be a day of inspiration, encouragement, and learning for all attendees—no matter their age or life stage.

Jewels Conference 2026: BECOMING 

This year’s conference theme, “BECOMING,” aims to remind every woman that she is being shaped by God, one moment at a time. The event hopes to gather women who are growing, healing, and allowing God to renew our minds and transform our hearts.

Counted among the plenary speakers at the BECOMING Jewels Conference are award-winning podcaster and women’s formation speaker Lallaine Gogna, and creative leader, songwriter, and worship leader Veia Lim-Viñas. 

Besides the plenary sessions, participants will be able to attend classes on topics related to faith and the pressing concerns of women in different stages of life, including:

• “Boundaries with Grace: Setting Healthy Limits for a Better You”
• “Mary’s Yes: Lessons in Surrender, Trust, and Obedience”
• “Waiting with Hope: For Women Navigating Loss, Longing & Unanswered Prayers”
• “Changing Seasons: Navigating Perimenopause & Caring for Your Mind, Body & Spirit”
• “Bible Journaling & Creative Devotions: Reflecting on Scripture Through Art & Prayer”

One class topic resonates with me a lot, and I’m sure it will resonate with many other women, too—”Peace under Pressure: Practical and Spiritual Tools for Life’s Stress and Overwhelming Seasons.”

I was able to interview Dr. Cherrie Ragunton—who will be giving the class—exclusively for our Philstar.com readers. Dr. Cherrie is a Doctor in Psychology and currently the Head of the Wellbeing Services Team of Infinit Care Philippines, a Tech Company offering Mental Health Programs and services. She is also a Co-active Consultant of Coach May Inc., Quintegral Phils and a Relationship and Parenting Consultant at The Love Institute.

Question 1: “In your professional opinion and based on your experience, what do you think are the top three causes of stress in a woman's life?”

Dr. Ragunton: “According to some research published by International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, the top three causes of stress for women are the following: 

1. Work–family conflict and the pressure of multiple roles

Women often juggle overlapping roles—employee, mother, spouse, daughter, caregiver, and community member. The challenge is not simply the number of roles but the competing demands and limited time and energy required by them. Research consistently links work–family conflict with higher stress, burnout, poorer well-being, and mental health difficulties.

2. Caregiving and the ‘mental load’

Women disproportionately carry unpaid caregiving responsibilities for children, aging parents, spouses, and other family members. Research also highlights the cognitive or invisible labor involved—remembering appointments, anticipating needs, managing household decisions, and emotionally caring for others. This ‘mental load’ is associated with greater stress and lower well-being. 

3. Financial pressure and economic insecurity

Financial concerns—including insufficient income, rising costs, job insecurity, debt, and the responsibility of providing for family—can become significant chronic stressors. Financial strain can be especially difficult when combined with caregiving and work demands. Research on caregivers, for example, identifies insufficient financial resources as one factor associated with poorer mental health.” 

Question 2: “What can Jewels Conference participants look forward to or expect when they attend your class?”

Dr. Ragunton: “The talk/training is an invitation for every woman who feels overwhelmed by the weight of responsibilities, expectations, relationships, and life's uncertainties. 

Through practical tools and inspiring stories from Scripture, we will discover how to manage emotional pressure, release what we cannot control, and remain grounded in faith when life feels too heavy.

This session will remind us that being strong doesn't mean carrying everything alone—it means knowing when to pause, breathe, surrender, and trust God. Because the goal is not to live a life without storms, but to become a woman who knows where her anchor is when the storm comes.”

Be blessed and be a blessing to those in need

Beyond being blessed by the conference talks and other activities, participants will also be able to share their blessings by their presence and participation. This is because Jewels Conference supports a “Feast Mercy Ministry,” namely Jeremiah Foundation—a shelter for young girls who are sexual abuse survivors. A special campaign to help build the permanent home for the Foundation will also be launched at the Conference.

So if you’re a woman who is curious about becoming who you were always meant to be, or you want to take a break from the daily grind, or you just need a mega-dose of inspiration, come join us at the Jewels Conference. Tickets are still available at jewelsconference.com. If you have any clarifications, please feel free to contact me on Instagram @tinasrodriguez or e-mail me at kristina.s.rodriguez@gmail.com.