Women peace advocates call for BBL passage

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 15): Women peace advocates call for BBL passage

Women peace advocates and group conveners have reaffirmed their support for the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) to end social injustice and uphold gender equality in Mindanao.

In a roundtable discussion held on Monday at the Marco Polo Hotel in this city, Women Engaged in Action on 1325 (WE Act 1325) convener and project manager Carmen Lauzon-Gatmaytan emphasized the continued support of women's networks from the Bangsamoro core territory for the passage of the BBL because it will "have a lasting impact on the lives of Bangsamoro women on the ground."

“Women must have meaningful participation in the communities and to matters relating to peace. We want to lead and [have] an equal stand like the men in our society,” Gatmaytan said.

Gatmaytan pointed out that there is a need to bring forward the issues of gender equality in the peace process and that the women have a key role especially in ending social injustices.

Dr. Jasmin Nario-Galace, national coordinator of WE Act 1325 and executive director of Miriam College’s Center for Peace Education (CPE), said legislators should also restore several provisions in their separate versions of the BBL which were originally contained in the version drafted by the Bangsamoro Transition Authority and submitted to Congress as House Bill 4994 and Senate Bill 2408.

"We are women of diverse backgrounds and cultures coming from the Bangsamoro Core Territories and different parts of the country. It is in [this] light that we support the provisions upholding gender equality and women's human rights in the original draft of the BBL as well as the enhancements introduced in the [House] Substitute Bill 5811," she said.

"However, we believe these gender provisions will better serve their purpose if the BBL passed will be true to the letter and spirit of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB)," Galace said.

"We appeal for a BBL that is consistent with the Bangsamoro people's aspiration to chart their political future that will secure their identity and allow for greater autonomy," she said.

BBL is inclusive to all genders

On the other hand,  Ang Kilusan ng Kababaihang Pilipino (PILIPINA) National Coordinator Elizabeth Yang said the "BBL adopts the principle of gender equality, which is also enshrined in the Constitution."

She cited Article VIII Section 10 of the House version of the BBL called the Basic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region which states that the Bangsamoro Government must uphold and protect the fundamental rights of women and children, including the right of women to engage in lawful employment.

"This principle and rights uphold the Philippines' landmark law, R.A. 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women," she said.

She added that through the proposed BBL, Bangsamoro women will have a voice in governance and decision-making so they can infuse policies and programs with recognition and respect for gender equality and women's rights.

"Alongside their Filipino sisters of diverse ethnicities and faiths, Bangsamoro women struggle daily to sustain their families, protect their safety and live with dignity," Yang remarked.

The proposed draft law also ensures active participation of the women in the Bangsamoro Government through a reserved seat for their sector in the parliament and the appointment of at least one woman in the Cabinet.

"Women and children of Mindanao have a greater chance to live in peace, freedom and security, with the passage of this law," Yang added.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/3001444813979/women-peace-advocates-call-for-bbl-passage