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By ANNE MARXZE D. UMIL
Online and in the streets, Judy Taguiwalo is an inspiration to a new generation of Filipino activists, particularly women activists. Her world view is shaped by our nation’s history -- a history that not too many Filipinos had the courage to confront nor the opportunity or inclination to take part in. She insists on correcting mistakes and learning from them. And she roasts a mean chicken with Kikkoman and lemon grass.
March 8 this year marks the 100th year since the declaration of International Women’s Day. But women are still vulnerable especially in times of crisis. Under the Arroyo administration, data show that many women still suffer from many forms of injustice.
By MARYA SALAMAT
Gabriela, the country's foremost alliance of progressive women's organizations, has declared March 8, International Women's Day, as a “day off” for Filipinas, a day to be spent out in the streets, marching, protesting and asserting their rights. “The worsening economic and political crisis under the Arroyo government is burdening women and families more than ever and spurring more women to join collective actions to demand for their rights and welfare,” said Emmi de Jesus, a nominee of the Gabriela Women's Party.
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It is important not to compromise their principles, the two “senatoriables” from the progressie sector said. Since one of their platforms is good governance, part of it is holding public officials -- either past or present -- accountable. This includes achieving justice for the victims of human-rights violations under the Marcos dictatorship.
By MARYA SALAMAT
The commemoration of the International Day to Eliminate Violence Against Women (VAW) in the Philippines got a piercing highlight in the Ampatuan massacre that occurred two days before the anti-VAW's day last week. “What happened in Maguindanao underscored the vulnerability of women amid fierce struggles as in an electoral struggle,” Gabriela partylist representative and aspiring senator Liza Maza said.
By MARYA SALAMAT
Gabriela has come a long way in helping many women and contributing to their empowerment. In the process, Gabriela itself has gained many friends and members. It is now a nationwide alliance of 200 women's organizations that cut across sectors and regions. It even has allied organizations in other countries.
By MARYA SALAMAT
As Rachel Tiongson battles the powerful Chavit Singson, women leaders are castigating the Arroyo regime for shirking its responsibilities to uphold the law. They urge the president to “severely sanction” Singson for brutally beating up – at one point by using a tiger whip – the mother of his five children.
By MARYA SALAMAT
“It is the experience of every nation that wherever there is a concentration of American soldiers for a prolonged period of time, exploitation and abuse of the local people ensued,” said Emmi de Jesus, secretary-general of Gabriela, the women’s group.
'Comfort Women' Still Fight for Justice
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