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I

t's been twenty–four years since the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 1325 (UNSCR 1325) on the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Agenda in October 2000. This landmark global framework recognizes the critical role women play in peace and security processes and emphasizes the need to integrate their perspectives and expertise in conflict prevention, resolution, and peacebuilding efforts. It also stresses the importance of understanding the unique impact of violence on women and girls during and after conflicts, highlighting the potential of inclusive peacemaking to prevent and recover from wars.

Thus, a sub–national action plan for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is crucial because it addresses the region's unique challenges within the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda, which includes women's participation, protection, conflict prevention, and relief and recovery. While the Philippine National Action Plan (NAP) adopted the UN’s WPS resolution in 2010, ARMM created a regional adaptation in 2017. Unlike the national plan, the sub–national plan ensures that local realities, such as ongoing conflict and cultural dynamics in Mindanao, are prioritized. Importantly, while women globally are often underrepresented in peace processes (only 13% negotiators, 3% mediators, and 4% signatories from 1992 to 2018), the Philippines stands out: Women make up 40% of participants in peace negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). This includes leaders like Prof. Miriam Coronel Ferrer, the first female chief negotiator to sign a peace accord, demonstrating the country’s progressive stance on gender inclusion in peacebuilding.

Although the WPS agenda is embedded in the Philippines' national and local frameworks, implementation of the mainstream WPS agenda in local communities remains limited, hindered by resource constraints, deep–rooted cultural norms, and the security threat of violent extremism in the region.

BARMM renewing focus on gender inclusivity 

Empowerment of women frontliners

Bangsamoro women are at the heart of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s (BARMM’s) peacebuilding and community resilience initiatives—acting as community leaders, educators, healthcare providers, activists, and peacebuilders. These women safeguard essential services and advocate for peace amidst adversity, serving as mediators and agents of change. Their resilience and commitment are essential for sustaining peace and driving progress in the region.

Quest for inclusive governance

BARMM, shaped by decades of conflict and a quest for justice, embodies both resilience and determination. The Bangsamoro Organic Law, Republic Act No. 11054, underscores these aspirations, providing a foundation for just governance and societal balance. Central to this vision is the establishment of the Bangsamoro Peace Institute (BPI), where a network of peacebuilders from diverse sectors collaborate to navigate the intricate landscape of peace and security in the region. 

Unifying the region through RAP–WPS

The Bangsamoro Regional Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (BRAP–WPS) developed by the Bangsamoro Women Commission with support from UN Women and UNDP, incorporates gender–responsive strategies into policies addressing key issues such as violence prevention, political participation, economic empowerment, and healing from trauma caused by conflict. Grounded in both regional development goals and grassroots insights, the BRAP–WPS reflects a holistic approach to peacebuilding.

BRAP–WPS goes beyond gender

Advocating for LGBTQ+ rights

Inclusivity in BARMM must also encompass the rights of LGBTQI+. BRAP–WPS can be utilized for promoting awareness campaigns, legal protections, and safe spaces—ensuring that all community members, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, are protected and valued.

Leveraging men as allies

Recognizing the critical role that men and boys play in advancing gender equality, the BRAP–WPS fosters their active involvement through education and advocacy. By challenging traditional gender norms and encouraging dialogue, BARMM cultivates a culture of inclusivity, essential for sustainable peace.

Ensuring lasting peace in the region 

Inclusive future direction

Despite a recent challenge regarding the Supreme Court decision on Bangsamoro Organic Law and the upcoming election in 2025, BRAP–WPS demonstrates a future–oriented vision for inclusive peacebuilding—drawing from both local realities and global principles. By amplifying marginalized voices, breaking systemic barriers, and fostering collaboration, the region is charting a path toward peaceful coexistence and long–term stability.

Transformation through collective action

The BRAP–WPS exemplifies a steadfast commitment to gender inclusivity in peacebuilding. This transformative initiative, supported by international stakeholders, the Philippine government, and civil society, is paving the way for a future where equality and peace are attainable for all. 

Yearning for lasting change

To ensure a legacy of inclusivity and prosperity for generations to come, BARMM constituents must maintain momentum and work together—continuing to champion new and existing efforts such as the first–ever diploma program on Women, Peace, and Security (DWPS) launched in August 2024. 

BARMM stands at the forefront of gender–inclusive peacebuilding, setting a powerful example through its BRAP–WPS. By leveraging the active roles of both men and women, it demonstrates that inclusive governance and peacebuilding are not just policy goals, they are collective imperatives and a call to action—a blueprint for a future where equality is the norm, not the exception.

About
Jamila–Aisha P. Sanguila
:
Jamila–Aisha P. Sanguila is a local peacebuilder and the founder of Women Empowered to Act (WE Act) for Dialogue and Peace in Mindanao, Philippines. Specializing in women, peace, and security, she has worked extensively in conflict–affected regions.
The views presented in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent the views of any other organization.

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Advancing the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda in BARMM

Photo by Robert Forever Ago via Pexels.

October 31, 2024

Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao is cultivating a culture of inclusivity, essential for sustainable peace, writes Jamila–Aisha P. Sanguila.

I

t's been twenty–four years since the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 1325 (UNSCR 1325) on the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Agenda in October 2000. This landmark global framework recognizes the critical role women play in peace and security processes and emphasizes the need to integrate their perspectives and expertise in conflict prevention, resolution, and peacebuilding efforts. It also stresses the importance of understanding the unique impact of violence on women and girls during and after conflicts, highlighting the potential of inclusive peacemaking to prevent and recover from wars.

Thus, a sub–national action plan for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is crucial because it addresses the region's unique challenges within the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda, which includes women's participation, protection, conflict prevention, and relief and recovery. While the Philippine National Action Plan (NAP) adopted the UN’s WPS resolution in 2010, ARMM created a regional adaptation in 2017. Unlike the national plan, the sub–national plan ensures that local realities, such as ongoing conflict and cultural dynamics in Mindanao, are prioritized. Importantly, while women globally are often underrepresented in peace processes (only 13% negotiators, 3% mediators, and 4% signatories from 1992 to 2018), the Philippines stands out: Women make up 40% of participants in peace negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). This includes leaders like Prof. Miriam Coronel Ferrer, the first female chief negotiator to sign a peace accord, demonstrating the country’s progressive stance on gender inclusion in peacebuilding.

Although the WPS agenda is embedded in the Philippines' national and local frameworks, implementation of the mainstream WPS agenda in local communities remains limited, hindered by resource constraints, deep–rooted cultural norms, and the security threat of violent extremism in the region.

BARMM renewing focus on gender inclusivity 

Empowerment of women frontliners

Bangsamoro women are at the heart of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s (BARMM’s) peacebuilding and community resilience initiatives—acting as community leaders, educators, healthcare providers, activists, and peacebuilders. These women safeguard essential services and advocate for peace amidst adversity, serving as mediators and agents of change. Their resilience and commitment are essential for sustaining peace and driving progress in the region.

Quest for inclusive governance

BARMM, shaped by decades of conflict and a quest for justice, embodies both resilience and determination. The Bangsamoro Organic Law, Republic Act No. 11054, underscores these aspirations, providing a foundation for just governance and societal balance. Central to this vision is the establishment of the Bangsamoro Peace Institute (BPI), where a network of peacebuilders from diverse sectors collaborate to navigate the intricate landscape of peace and security in the region. 

Unifying the region through RAP–WPS

The Bangsamoro Regional Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (BRAP–WPS) developed by the Bangsamoro Women Commission with support from UN Women and UNDP, incorporates gender–responsive strategies into policies addressing key issues such as violence prevention, political participation, economic empowerment, and healing from trauma caused by conflict. Grounded in both regional development goals and grassroots insights, the BRAP–WPS reflects a holistic approach to peacebuilding.

BRAP–WPS goes beyond gender

Advocating for LGBTQ+ rights

Inclusivity in BARMM must also encompass the rights of LGBTQI+. BRAP–WPS can be utilized for promoting awareness campaigns, legal protections, and safe spaces—ensuring that all community members, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, are protected and valued.

Leveraging men as allies

Recognizing the critical role that men and boys play in advancing gender equality, the BRAP–WPS fosters their active involvement through education and advocacy. By challenging traditional gender norms and encouraging dialogue, BARMM cultivates a culture of inclusivity, essential for sustainable peace.

Ensuring lasting peace in the region 

Inclusive future direction

Despite a recent challenge regarding the Supreme Court decision on Bangsamoro Organic Law and the upcoming election in 2025, BRAP–WPS demonstrates a future–oriented vision for inclusive peacebuilding—drawing from both local realities and global principles. By amplifying marginalized voices, breaking systemic barriers, and fostering collaboration, the region is charting a path toward peaceful coexistence and long–term stability.

Transformation through collective action

The BRAP–WPS exemplifies a steadfast commitment to gender inclusivity in peacebuilding. This transformative initiative, supported by international stakeholders, the Philippine government, and civil society, is paving the way for a future where equality and peace are attainable for all. 

Yearning for lasting change

To ensure a legacy of inclusivity and prosperity for generations to come, BARMM constituents must maintain momentum and work together—continuing to champion new and existing efforts such as the first–ever diploma program on Women, Peace, and Security (DWPS) launched in August 2024. 

BARMM stands at the forefront of gender–inclusive peacebuilding, setting a powerful example through its BRAP–WPS. By leveraging the active roles of both men and women, it demonstrates that inclusive governance and peacebuilding are not just policy goals, they are collective imperatives and a call to action—a blueprint for a future where equality is the norm, not the exception.

About
Jamila–Aisha P. Sanguila
:
Jamila–Aisha P. Sanguila is a local peacebuilder and the founder of Women Empowered to Act (WE Act) for Dialogue and Peace in Mindanao, Philippines. Specializing in women, peace, and security, she has worked extensively in conflict–affected regions.
The views presented in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent the views of any other organization.