In every turn of lifeโs events, there is a woman who stands firm against the tides of adversity. Carol Gilligan, a feminist and psychologist, describes a woman as a multifaceted beingโa nurturer, a leader, a warrior, and a visionary.
Meet Aldie Mae Andoy, the Division Chief of Disaster Response. Before she became a leader, she was first a wife, a mother, and a woman whose life is a mosaic of resilience, authenticity, and compassion.
At work, she is known for making life-changing decisionsโdecisions that save lives, ensure the most vulnerable receive timely assistance, and guide her team with unwavering dedication.
Behind her bustling role at the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga, she steps into another equally demanding responsibility at homeโone that requires the same level of patience, strength, and determination.
As a mother of three, Aldie Mae shares the joys and struggles many women faceโbalancing a demanding career with the needs of her children. Her youngest, Jessa, has been diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and seizure disorder and is undergoing therapy. Meanwhile, she remains a hands-on mom to her son Aaron, an active Boy Scout, and her daughter Jahzara, an architecture student. With her husband working away from home, she shoulders the full weight of household responsibilities, embodying both strength and sacrifice.
For many, the demands of motherhood and leadership might feel overwhelming. But for Aldie Mae, these roles are not burdensโthey are callings, honors, and privileges. She leads with the same strength and love she pours into her family, proving that a womanโs resilience is a force that fosters stability.
“To all the working and full-time mothers, I salute you! The journey is never easy, but for our children, we give our all. Amidst all the responsibilities, never forget that your well-being matters too. ๐ ๐๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐ป๐ด ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฎ๐น๐๐ต๐ ๐๐ผ๐ ๐ถ๐ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐๐ ๐ด๐ถ๐ณ๐ ๐๐ผ๐ ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ป ๐ด๐ถ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ณ๐ฎ๐บ๐ถ๐น๐!” – Aldie Mae Andoy
To all mothers who find strength in service, to those who lead with both power and grace, and to the women who balance careers and familyโAldie Maeโs story is your story too.
Happy National Women’s Month!