Beijing+30 Youth Blog: Weaving equality with Mindanaoan women and the Beijing Platform for Action
Date:
Author: Patricia Nicole Lucena
The fight for women's equality is often at the forefront of discussions about achieving equal rights for all. Throughout history, women have faced immense challenges, from restricted voting rights to the constant struggle against workplace discrimination, where women fight for equal pay and opportunities for advancement, and domestic violence, a pervasive issue that disproportionately affects women.
Numerous feminist movements, from the first wave's focus on suffrage to the intersectional feminism of today, have been instrumental in achieving the progress we've made toward equal rights for all. As a young Filipino woman, I am particularly aware of the ongoing challenges faced by women in my country. The Philippines, while known for its progressive stances on gender issues, still has a long way to go. The lack of women in leadership roles across industries is a glaring example. This absence creates a void, a constant reminder that these positions are not readily attainable for women. The underrepresentation of women in leadership positions across these sectors highly discourages young women from pursuing their own leadership aspirations. This creates a vicious cycle that perpetuates the status quo, where the lack of female role models reinforces the perception that leadership is a male domain.
The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action offers a beacon of hope in this fight. It lays out a clear path towards achieving gender equality and empowering women to reach their full potential. This document aligns perfectly with my vision as a Mindanaoan feminist. Its goals of eliminating discrimination and removing barriers resonate deeply with the challenges we face here. While progress has undeniably been made, issues like economic participation, political representation, and freedom from violence are still distant dreams for many women in Mindanao. It is important to dismantle patriarchal structures and create spaces where women can truly flourish.
I dream of a Mindanao where women not only survive but thrive. The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action serves as a powerful roadmap to achieving this dream. This global movement equips us, Mindanao feminists, with the tools and strategies to advocate for change and hold those in power accountable. Imagine a future where girls receive the education they deserve, where violence against women is a horrifying relic of the past, and where women hold the economic power to shape their own destinies and uplift their communities. Peace itself can finally take root when women have a seat at the negotiating table, their voices shaping a brighter future. Together, the Beijing Declaration and the unwavering spirit of Mindanao feminism can weave a future brimming with hope and equality for all.
Biography:
Patricia Lucena, 23, is the Executive Director of Yabong Philippines, a youth-led organization that promotes youth participation in governance, media and information literacy, and nation-building.
Yabong has initiated projects such as the ASEANetizens, the International MIL Youth Summit, and the ProMIL Camps that aim to magnify the importance of responsible use of social media, data privacy, and the empowerment of the youth and women to create digital initiatives from here on and onwards. She was also a participant at UN Women’s Gen-Forum 2024: Young Leaders for Women, Peace and Security in Asia and the Pacific, the outcomes of which are feeding into the regional Beijing+30 process. Patty is a proud Mindanaoan, a feminist, and a cyber-defender. Motivated by a sincere desire to serve, she hopes to positively impact the world through small acts of kindness and compassion.
