MANILA: The Philippines is set to advocate for greater international investment in initiatives that enhance women’s roles and participation in peace and security, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman announced Wednesday. Pangandaman highlighted the need for more robust funding from international development partners to ensure that women, peace, and security initiatives receive a significant portion of the budget.
According to Philippines News Agency, Pangandaman expressed concern that many projects supported by the country’s development partners do not adequately include initiatives focused on women, peace, and security. She noted that even when such projects exist, they are typically not allocated significant funding. “The pie doesn’t show a big chunk of the budget on women, peace, and security. So, we would like to push that forward,” Pangandaman stated during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum.
Pangandaman emphasized the necessity of collaboration with the private sector and the international community to fu
nd these initiatives. She expressed hopes for a substantial share of Official Development Assistance (ODA) to be directed towards these crucial areas. As the host of the upcoming International Conference on Women, Peace and Security (ICWPS), the Philippines aims to unite global leaders, practitioners, and advocates to develop strategies and commitments that prioritize the inclusion of women in peace processes.
Research indicates that agreements involving women tend to have greater longevity, Pangandaman noted. “In conflict-affected areas, women have emerged as indispensable architects of peace,” she said, underscoring the importance of the ICWPS as a platform to reinforce global commitment to inclusivity, equity, and justice.
Pangandaman will lead discussions on the impact of financing strategies on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) initiatives during the conference. The Philippines will utilize this opportunity to elevate women’s voices and foster partnerships among governments, civil societies, and interna
tional organizations to promote gender security and sustainable development.
Highlighting the country’s pioneering efforts, Pangandaman cited the Philippines’ first National Action Plan on WPS, launched in 2010, as a bold declaration of commitment to gender equality. The 2023 budget for implementing the plan is set at PHP173.2 million. The ICWPS, scheduled for October 28-30 at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City, will focus on the theme “Forging Collaboration and Convergence for Advancing Women, Peace and Security,” aiming to showcase the power of inter-regional networks in enhancing women’s substantive participation in peacebuilding.