All over the world, movements and policies aimed at empowering women have gained significant momentum. An example is Rwanda, leading the world in female political representation with women occupying 63.75 percent of the parliamentary seats in the country.
Let’s not even go far. The fight for gender equality and women’s empowerment continues to evolve here in the Philippines. We have been recognized globally for our relatively high gender equality initiatives, especially in Asia.
According to the 2023 Global Gender Gap Report of the World Economic Forum, the Philippines ranks as one of the top countries in Asia in closing the gender gap. The nation has shown substantial progress in areas such as educational attainment and health survival, achieving near parity.
This is all thanks to our national government, especially to Gender and Development (GAD) advocates such as Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, and organizations like the Women’s Action Network for Development (WAND), which tirelessly advocate for equality and empowerment.
Notably, on Tuesday, Dec. 3, I had the privilege to represent Secretary Mina at the 2024 WAND Policy Forum in Quezon City. As the DBM’s GAD Focal Person, I found the experience profoundly humbling and deeply inspiring. It served as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of collective action, where a shared vision and steadfast commitment unite to address the challenges women face and pave the way toward a brighter, more equitable future.
For those who may not know, WAND is a nationwide network bringing together women’s organizations and advocacy groups from different sectors. They work to ensure that gender issues are a priority in national and local development programs.
From its beginnings in 1990 as a coalition of non-governmental organizations and People’s Organization, WAND has grown into a multi-sectoral network that functions as a champion for gender equality and inclusive development. Its programs, such as Gender Sensitivity Training and advocacy for the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), remain pivotal in the fight for women’s rights.
The policy forum served as a platform for dialogue and collaboration, with its agenda aligned with this year’s 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC). It tackled economic empowerment, environmental protection, and early childhood education — cornerstones of a just and inclusive society. These discussions emphasized how integral women are in driving progress and building a Bagong Pilipinas.
I had the honor of delivering Secretary Mina’s message, and I must say, it was truly motivating. It goes along the lines of, “When women thrive, families flourish, communities grow stronger, and nations progress.” This sentiment beautifully encapsulates why gatherings like the WAND Policy Forum are so important.
It was a good opportunity to connect with trailblazing women like Ma’am Araw Chavez, who co-chairs the Philippine Open Government Partnership (PH-OGP) Steering Committee alongside Secretary Mina. The PH-OGP itself is a testament to women’s leadership in governance, as both the government and non-government chairpersons are women. This highlights how women are steering the nation toward transparency and accountability.
In this regard, I also had the chance to reconnect with former National Anti-Poverty Commission Undersecretary Ma’am Flor Dorotan, who also happens to be the mother of my good friend, Department of Finance Undersecretary Alu C. Dorotan-Tiuseco.
The forum’s highlights included videos from WAND’s 38 partner organizations nationwide, showcasing programs that uplift women in local communities. These stories of grassroots empowerment — whether through gender-responsive budgeting, advocacy for the Magna Carta of Women, or capacity-building initiatives — were so moving, they could melt anyone’s heart.
For example, Bantay Abuso Network (BAN) promotes financial independence and sustainable livelihoods for disadvantaged sectors. WEAVERS, Inc. leads Project EDEN, which protects the environment while fostering cultural preservation and livelihood. In Cebu, Sulaum Babaye supports marginalized women, while the SUMAKA Federation, Inc. addresses housing relocations and operates water refilling stations for urban poor and youth.
Programs like May Pag Bag-O sa Baryo in South Cotabato provide skills training in slipper-making, beauty culture, and tote bag production under their “Happy Nanay, Happy Life” initiative, boosting self-confidence and financial capacity. The Movement of Mothers (MoMs) in Negros empowers women as agents of change through healthy products like ginger tea and mushroom-based goods.
Each of these organizations speak of unyielding strength and quiet revolutions. They prove that when women rise together, they carry the hopes of generations and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.
The policy forum was undoubtedly a celebration of what is possible when women come together to share ideas, find solutions, and build each other up. It reinforced the belief that when women are given opportunities to lead and thrive, the ripple effects are transformative — not just for their communities, but for the nation as a whole.
To all the incredible women and organizations who made the forum a success, I thank you from the bottom of my heart! Let’s continue to empower women, foster inclusive communities, and build a brighter future for all.
There is Hope!