As one of the first countries in Asia, the Philippines has launched its National Action Plan (NAP) on UN Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. The document draws up a strategy for ensuring the protection of women in the country’s ongoing internal conflicts and for involving them in the efforts to build peace.
-To involve women in the peace processes is not an aim in itself, but rather a precondition for the achievement of a just and lasting peace in the Philippines, Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) said to an assembly of women and peace advocates gathered to mark the event.
Compared to many other conflict-ridden countries, the Philippines has a relatively high level of female participation in its peace processes. There are women in both of the panels that negotiate peace with the Muslim MILF and the communist NDFP, and the two peace secretariats supporting the panels are both headed by women.
-But despite the increased presence of women in peace building bodies, we must never rest on our lorries, Secretary Deles said urging all stakeholders to cease this moment and empower the women further.
Norway is a strong supporter of the UN resolution 1325, and has provided financial support to several of the non-governmental organizations working for peace and gender equality in the Philippines. It is also a third party facilitator in the peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the NDFP.
The Norwegian ambassador Knut Solem was therefore very happy to attend the launch of the Philippines' action plan for women and peace.
-The women of the Philippines are quite exceptional, you are many working for peace and you are very vocal. Keep up this work, the ambassador told all the women representatives from government and civil society.
December is also an important month for women peace builders internationally. Only a week ago, three women were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in the Norwegian capital Oslo, for their effort in promoting peace and democracy.
The official launch of the Philippine National Action Plan on UN Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. Photo: Jasmin Nario-Galace