In a significant move to advance the leadership and economic empowerment of Indigenous women and girls, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Philippines, in partnership with the government of New Zealand and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), officially launched the Indigenous Women and Girls – Leadership and Empowerment in Ancestral Domains (I-LEAD) Project in a signing ceremony in Davao City.

The I-LEAD Project, built on the longstanding collaboration between UNDP Philippines and the New Zealand Government, aims to foster inclusive development, resilience-building, gender equality, and women's empowerment by promoting leadership roles and economic opportunities for Indigenous women and girls across ancestral domains, particularly in Regions 11 and 12 in Mindanao. The project will strengthen Indigenous Peoples' rights protection and promote sustainable practices in response to climate change and biodiversity challenges. It also aims to address underlying gender norms and discriminatory practices to enable their meaningful participation and leadership.

New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines, Dr. Catherine McIntosh said, “As a small donor country committed to development that works, we are carefully targeting our efforts to where we will make a real difference. And I'm optimistic that together we can make a real difference in the lives of indigenous communities in Regions 11 and 12 and beyond.”

UNDP Philippines Resident Representative Dr. Selva Ramachandran highlighted the significance of partnerships in delivering impact. "This initiative is a testament to what we can achieve together when we unite around a shared vision of empowerment, equity, and sustainable development. Together, we can create programs that are responsive, inclusive, and impactful,” he expressed.

NCIP Chairperson Bo-i Jennifer Pia Sibug-Las emphasized the importance of involving Indigenous women in the community’s political structures. “There are still a lot of aspirations by women. They should still be given the chance to have representation in governance and to raise their voices in a lot of areas, especially when it comes to sharing their cultures, traditions, and identities,” she conveyed.

Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Leo Tereso Magno, in a message delivered by Undersecretary Janet Lopoz, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the project’s success. “The I-LEAD project is very much aligned with our priorities under the Mindanao Development agenda. MinDA will ensure that all our programs and projects will always include the marginalized sectors of society so we that ensure we create a collective impact in Mindanao.”

The I-LEAD Project will be implemented over four years by NCIP with UNDP Philippines through a P247 million (US$ 4.5 million) funding support from the New Zealand Government. The project will actively involve indigenous communities and government agencies in key roles to ensure its success. UNDP Philippines and the New Zealand Government reaffirm their continued commitment to support Indigenous Peoples through initiatives that promote inclusive governance, sustainable development, and the protection of ancestral domains.