Women's Political Participation in the Philippines: Conversations, Reflections, and Recommendations

‘Encounters of discourse’ is the term used to desribe this project which is the culmination of many conversations with women leaders across the Philippines. This is part of an ongoing process – a stepping stone towards a more united set of actions towards transformational politics within and outside social movements. This paper does not present a comprehensive analysis of the status and direction of women in politics and governance in the Philippines. Rather, it is a collection of reflections and insights from women leaders about the key issues and challenges of engendering politics and governance. We hope that it will contribute to the ongoing process of reflection amongst women leaders. Particularly women involved with social movements that are not solely focused on women, and on the strategies and directions of their feminist agenda within these social movements.This project aimed to strengthen women’s participation in politics and governance by facilitating a processes of collective reflection, assessment, agenda building and a reorientation of strategies for women’s empowerment. It facilitated a series of semi-structured group discussions and individual interviews with women leaders across the Philippines. With women and women’s groups in Metro Manila, Nueva Ecija, Olongapo City, Aurora, Abra, Baguio City, Cebu, Bohol, Davao, Zamboanga and Cotabato. Conversations focused on the gains made by the women’s movement, the challenges the movement now faces and future recommendations.