Exploring Work-Related Challenges and Development among Women in Badge in Ilocos Norte

The research study explored the experiences of the Women in Badge in Ilocos Norte, focusing on their challenges, coping mechanisms, realizations, and strategies to enhance their performance as women officers in their respective agencies. This study used a qualitative method with the approach of a phenomenological study and used convenience sampling to choose participants based on their availability, ensuring a thorough understanding of their experiences involving eight participants. Thematic analysis was used to ensure a comprehensive and credible exploration of the lived experiences of women officers. The themes derived from the participants' challenges related to institutional exclusion, gendered work allocation, and male dominance. The women showed a great deal of perseverance despite these obstacles. They employed various coping mechanisms, such as seeking spiritual guidance, building supportive relationships, and fostering strength through selfless dedication. As a result of overcoming these challenges, they came to realize that faith is a foundation, realizing the importance of mutual respect and trust and strength cultivation. After these realizations, they developed unique approaches to enhance their work performance, such as faith-driven, proactive learning for peak performance and recognizing the limit of individual capacity. The study emphasizes the invaluable insights that women leaders in the Tri-Bureau of Ilocos Norte provided from the unique challenges they faced and the effective approaches they used to get through their work settings. Their narratives displayed the complex relationship between gender dynamics and institutional constraints that influenced their leadership development.