THE WORSENING social and economic crises gave birth to thousands of active citizens across sectors campaigning for political and social change. Women are seen at the forefront of the fight for land, jobs, living wage, public services, and against extractivist projects that continue to destroy the country’s resources.
But women’s political participation in different organizations and civil society spaces are confronted by state agents through attacks, harassment, enforced disappearances, and killings.
There are 162 women political prisoners as of June 2022, and 66 women victims of extrajudicial killings (from July 2016 to December 2022). According to rights group Karapatan, there are 1,911 victims of enforced disappearances from 1986 to the present.
As of November 30, 2023, there are 12 victims of enforced disappearances under the current Marcos Jr. administration. 5 of which are women, namely Deah Lopez, Lyn Grace Martullinas, Elgene “Leleng” Mungcal, Ma. Elena “Cha” Pampoza, and Elizabeth “Loi” Magbanua.
These are women detained without due process, often on trumped-up charges, and denied of their basic rights while in custody. These are women whose voices are silenced, aimed at cultivating fear amongst others who dare to speak out against the injustices happening today. As long as neoliberal policies and state repression remain, the number of human rights violations will continue to grow each day.
And yet, women’s resistance persists. Women, alongside the rest of the Filipino people, continue to struggle for basic human rights while challenging the status quo brought about by the current system. The repressive state policies that enabled authorities to label activists and human rights defenders as terrorists or enemies of the state only made women even more courageous, firm, and committed.
Herstory has proven that great triumphs and victories can be won through the courage and grit of collective action. The Center for Women’s Resources honor the brave women and men who stood firm in protecting our human rights and a just society by continuing the struggle for freedom and democracy. – CENTER FOR WOMEN’S RESOURCES, 127-B Scout Fuentebella St., Brgy. Sacred Heart, Quezon City <cwr@centerforwomensresources.org >
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Center for Women’s Resources is a non-profit, non-governmental women’s service institution that provides research, education and advocacy for and about women.
