Women leaders from 40 barangays in Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur and the Special Geographic Area in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao recite a collective poetry, “Su Babay” (The Woman), expressing the pains, joys and hopes of women engaged in peacebuilding. MindaNews photo by JULES L. BENITEZ taken on December 11 during the WE RESOLVE Peace Summit in Cotabato City.
In the pursuit of fostering a more just, peaceful and prosperous society, our collective resolve converges on empowering women, to engage in governance, peace and development processes and assume pivotal roles in community development. Empowering women is the cornerstone of societal progress and prosperity.
We are confident of that women have the capacity and agency to impact and shape the development of their communities. We commit to strengthening solidarity and collaboration among women and men for resolving conflicts and building sustained communities of peace.
Recognizing the crucial role of women in peacebuilding, we believe in their unique ability to foster understanding, dialogue and cooperation and in unlocking opportunities that promote peace.
We believe that women have the competence to manage, plan, and innovate so that long-term socio-economic development and equal opportunities for women become imperative, thus building community resilience and contributing to economic prosperity.
Equitable representation of women in political processes and their perspectives and skills contribute to improved governance and broader societal progress, peace and justice.
To realize the above potential of women in all aspects of social and economic well-being of communities, we call the attention of the government to the following initiatives:
- Implement Gender Equality Policies: Advocate for increased representation of women in conflict management and peace processes, especially while implementing policies aimed at promoting equal rights for women in the areas of government, economy, and society.
- Promote Women Empowerment Programs: Strengthen support for programs and projects that aim to expand the skills and opportunities for women, particularly in the domains of livelihood and good governance.
- Equal Representation in Government: Advocate for a higher number of women at various levels of government, including positions in decision-making.
- Promotion of Education: Support women’s education, irrespective of age, to expand their technical knowledge, skills and informed participation in decision-making processes that affect their lives.
- Collaboration in Community Building: Foster a culture of cooperation, dialogue and collaboration among women and men to advance a more prosperous and just society.
In embracing these initiatives, we envision the realization of a more just, peaceful and prosperous society where everyone plays a crucial and active role in the governance and development of the country. This summit stands as a collective commitment to empower women, recognizing their inherent potential as architects of positive societal transformation.
The summit declaration was drafted and signed by 80 women leaders, barangay government representatives, representing 1,400 organized community women from 40 barangays in Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao and Special Geographical areas in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao during the WE RESOLVE Peace Summit held at Pagana Hotel and Restaurant, Cotabato City on December 11, 2023.
