Bangsamoro women train in peacebuilding, governance, economic empowerment

WOMEN leaders from across the Bangsamoro region gathered for a workshop, dubbed "Empowering Women in Peacebuilding: Capacity Development for and Planning Session with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Women," held from Feb. 22 to 27, 2025.

The workshop, spearheaded by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (Opapru), through the Task Force on Decommissioned Combatants and their Communities and supported by the United Nations and Development Program, brought together key women stakeholders who are involved in ongoing peace and development efforts in the region.

The Bangsamoro Women's Auxiliary Brigade (Biwab) is composed of women fighters who played a key role in the MILF's decades-long struggle for self-determination and self-governance. Today, the group is actively engaged in peacebuilding, economic development and good governance initiatives, helping communities recover from decades of conflict.

For many Biwab members, the training in Davao marked a major turning point, as some of them had never attended structured leadership training programs before and initially doubted their ability to lead.

The event also featured insights from experienced leaders, who shared strategies on increasing women's political representation and community involvement.

One of the most impactful sessions of the workshop was the Tides of Peace, facilitated by Program Development Officer V for Women, Peace and Security-Gender and Development Component of Opapru Rene Gandeza Jr.

The Philippine government, through Opapru, hosted in October 2024 an International conference on women, peace and security, reinforcing its commitment to advancing women's roles in peace efforts.

Opapru has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting women's leadership, offering follow-up programs and funding opportunities for Biwab initiatives.