Philippines

When one turns on the television, reads the newspaper or listens to the news on radio, one cannot help but notice that much of the news is focused on the negative events that are happening to our country. Thus, it wouldn’t be a surprise if many Filipinos have already made a conclusion that we no longer have government leaders who are committed to promoting good governance and leadership with integrity in our country.

Would increasing women participation in politics improve Philippine governance?

Some lawmakers and women's rights advocates believe it would.

In line with Women’s Month, lawmakers and women's rights advocate organized a Legislator’s forum last March 27 at the Sulo Riviera Hotel, addressing a bill that aims to promote women participation in governance.

At the heart of Manila’s main thoroughfare, right at the People Power monument, a large group of Muslim women gathered one Sunday (Oct. 14, 2012), in pink hijabs no less, to send an important message to the rest of the Filipino nation as the historic framework agreement on the Bangsamoro was about to be signed: “Religious understanding now, Bangsamoro for peace, yes to national unity.”