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International cooperation

Women's Role in Peace and Security Highlighted in Philippine Conference

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Solicitor General Darlene Berberabe delivered a speech at the Philippine Conference on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS), emphasizing the importance of women's participation in peace and security efforts. Berberabe showcased accomplishments in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), where women have been trained in conflict mediation, and in Basilan, where women-led cooperatives support normalization programs.

Berberabe highlighted the success of women mediators who have resolved over a hundred disputes using digital profiling tools, and the Bangsamoro Islamic Women's Auxiliary Brigade's role in decommissioning. She also mentioned the Cordillera province's action plans on WPS, which seek to integrate genuine women's participation in local development. Berberabe emphasized the need for true inclusivity in governance, where women and marginalized groups have a seat at the table, and called for increased partnership with citizens through citizen assemblies.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over a hundred women mediators in the BARMM have been trained in conflict mediation and are using digital profiling tools to speed up responses to disputes.
  • Women-led cooperatives in Basilan have supported normalization programs, pairing livelihood with community peace-building.
  • The regional action plan on WPS in the BARMM provides a 'living framework' for protection, participation, and accountability.
  • Cordillera province drafted seven new local action plans on WPS in 2024 that seek to integrate genuine women's participation in local development.
  • Government agencies and local government units (LGUs) have made inroads towards transparency by disclosing plans, bids, and budgets for projects.
  • Berberabe called for the inclusion of the youth to ensure continuity with the next generation of leaders.
  • The Office of the Solicitor General aims to keep the courtroom a forum of law, not a stage for louder politics.

Statistics:

  • Over a hundred women mediators in the BARMM have resolved disputes.
  • Women-led cooperatives in Basilan have supported normalization programs.
  • Cordillera province drafted seven new local action plans on WPS in 2024.
  • Government agencies and LGUs have made inroads towards transparency.

Sources:

  • Berberabe, D. (n.d.). Philippine Conference on Women, Peace, and Security. Manila: Philippine International Convention Center.

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