For many women in the Philippines, equality remains out of reach. Deeply rooted socio-cultural barriers continue to limit their opportunities, silence their voices, and restrict their agency. Across the country, Relief International teams are working alongside communities to challenge this reality—supporting women with the skills, confidence, and platforms they need to lead change within their own contexts.
Empowering women and girls as leaders in peacebuilding
Youth leaders from Tuca, Madamba, Lanao del Sur actively participate during the training of trainers. Photo credit: Joenathan Combis
Under the ‘Way to Peace’ project, Relief International partnered with young people in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), particularly in Lanao del Sur—a province shaped by rapid population growth and a predominantly young demographic.
Recognizing the critical role of youth in shaping the future of a region where security is still fragile, the project focused on equipping young people—especially women—with the knowledge, tools, and leadership skills needed to foster an inclusive, community-led approach to long-lasting peace.
Through this project, over 3,000 people took part in various capacity-building sessions including dialogues about peace in the community, advocacy, participatory planning processes, and project management. As a result, almost 200 youth leaders were trained and recognized as peace advocates and trainers.
A Women, Peace, and Security conference held in Manila, The Philippines.
“Through the knowledge and skills you've shared, we are now able to empower more young people to take part in our mission and become voices of peace in our community,” said Amilah, a youth leader from Balindong, Lanao del Sur.
Throughout 2026, Relief International will continue this important work through The Philippines’ National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security. Through targeted training programs, women will be equipped not only with technical skills but also with the confidence to design and implement context-responsive initiatives in their communities. These efforts are further strengthened by ‘communities of practice’—sustained support networks ensuring women can turn ideas into action and drive lasting impact.
Strengthening livelihoods and resilience with indigenous women
In the same region, Relief International is supporting indigenous women to build more sustainable livelihoods. In the coastal town of Maluso in Basilan, we are partnering with the Magtetepoh Women’s Organization to work with Sama-Bajau communities whose lives have long been deeply intertwined with the rhythms of the sea.
While men venture out to the ocean for the daily catch whenever conditions allow, women sustain households through mat weaving, an intricate craft passed down through generations. Many women, despite limited access to formal education, have mastered this skill through knowledge shared by their mothers and grandmothers.
Farhana and her mother Mohala sometimes weave side by side in their home in Maluso, Basilan. Photo credit: Judielyn Morales
Following consultation with the Sama-Bajau women, Relief International is helping to strengthen the viability and sustainability of this local livelihood by providing the required tools and raw materials. We also constructed dedicated drying areas to improve production efficiency and product quality.
As a result, the women we’re working with are not only able to supplement their household earnings, but they are gaining greater personal stability and agency. Increased income and community engagement is also supporting these traditionally nomadic families to access formal systems and essential services including healthcare, nutrition programs, and education—marking a critical step toward long-term inclusion and resilience.
“From what I earn, I am able to give my sister money for school expenses and my husband money to buy gasoline for his fishing boat,” said Farhana, mother of three small children.
