The Role of Muslim Women in Democracy, Development, and Peace: The Philippine Case

Abstract

Muslim women had discovered the value of social mobilization; they empowered themselves and implemented literacy and livelihood training for marginalized and impoverished groups. Muslim women’s access to institutions of governance and their participation in the decision-making processes of their communities is still limited, despite the growing number of Muslim women holding public offices. Muslim women must be provided more opportunities to develop their potential through capability-building and training programmes. Women’s organizations can be mobilized towards this end. The Regional Commission for Bangsa Moro Women (RCBW) collaborated with the Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy to hold a conference on the Role of Muslim Women in Peace and Development. Muslim men and women are equally recognized as fathers and mothers of all nations. Muslim men and women are therefore also equally recognized as members of society. Keywords:democracy; development agenda; Islam; Muslim women; peace agreement; Philippine; RCBW