BUILDING PEACE THROUGH ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT: THE ROLE OF BANGSAMORO WOMEN

Over the past decade, significant efforts have been made to promote gender justice and economic empowerment in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), with Bangsamoro women playing a crucial role in peacebuilding and development. Oxfam and The Asia Foundation (TAF), supported by the Australian Government, have implemented programs that provide marginalized women with training, mentorship, and access to financial resources to help them thrive as entrepreneurs. These initiatives culminated in the Bangsamoro WEE Learning Exchange in 17-19 February 2025, which highlighted policy support, Islamic Finance, and inclusive growth strategies. As a panelist at this event, I shared insights from my work with Coffee for Peace, reinforcing my belief in the transformative power of inclusive economic growth as a path to lasting peace in the region.

In a significant step towards promoting gender justice and economic empowerment in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), I had the opportunity to witness and support key initiatives that have been unfolding over the past decade. These efforts have emphasized the crucial role of Bangsamoro women as vital contributors to peacebuilding and development within their communities.

Oxfam, in collaboration with The Asia Foundation (TAF), has been actively promoting Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) in BARMM. These programs have sought to strengthen the participation of women in governance, social, and economic spheres. Through TAF’s “Accelerate Women’s Economic Participation for Peace and Prosperity in the Bangsamoro” program, marginalized women have received training, mentorship, and coaching. This initiative has improved their access to financial resources and markets, enabling them to thrive as entrepreneurs.

A significant aspect of this journey has been the unwavering support from the Australian Government, which has consistently partnered with Oxfam and TAF to drive sustainable programs that empower Bangsamoro women. These collaborative efforts have not only enhanced women’s economic participation but have also created linkages and partnerships with local actors to ensure these initiatives endure.

To further these efforts, Oxfam and TAF, together with the Bangsamoro Women Commission (BWC) and the Australian Government, organized the Bangsamoro WEE Learning Exchange from February 17-19, 2025, at The Ritz Hotel in Davao City. This event aimed to highlight policy support mechanisms, share experiences, and discuss the implementation of Islamic Finance to promote culturally sensitive, inclusive growth. The exchange also showcased ways to strengthen the economic empowerment of women entrepreneurs and women-led enterprises in BARMM.

I was invited to participate as a panelist in the session on Private Sector Models Supporting WEE. It was an honor to contribute insights from my experiences in social enterprise and peacebuilding through Coffee for Peace, Inc. and PeaceBuilders Community, Inc. Engaging with passionate women leaders and advocates strengthened my belief in the transformative power of inclusive economic growth as a pathway to lasting peace in the Bangsamoro region.