Philippines

May 2011

IPJ Deputy Director Dee Aker and Program Officer Jennifer Freeman traveled to Manila to assist in the international launch of the first All-Women Contingent in the International Monitoring Team, which monitors the cease-fire in Mindanao between the army and Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The women peacekeeping force is organized by the Mindanao Peoples Caucus, headed by IPJ Woman PeaceMaker Mary Ann Arnado.

Aker and Freeman then traveled to Mindanao with Arnado and Women PeaceMakers Bae Liza Llesis Saway, Milet Mendoza and Thavory Huot for the second meeting of the Asia Regional Network of Women PeaceMakers.

(Photos by Yam Palma)

April 2010

Documentary - "Mindanao's Youth Working for Peace"

Interview - Woman PeaceMaker Mary Ann Arnado on the peace process and her work since her 2005 residency at the IPJ

Dee Aker, Karla Alvarez and Emiko Noma traveled to Mindanao in the Philippines from April 2 to 14. At the invitation of the Mindanao Peoples Caucus, headed by Woman PeaceMaker Mary Ann Arnado, the trio held forums and workshops in Davao, Cotabato and Bukidnon Province, home of another WPM, Bae Liza Llesis Saway.

Alvarez interviewed grassroots youth leaders – from the Moro (Muslim), Christian and indigenous communities – to document their leadership strategies for a WorldLink video on youth leaders around the world. They also met with women peace advocates and cease-fire monitors to discuss the status of the peace process and the implementation of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security.

Their trip was partially funded through an International Opportunity Grant from the University of San Diego.

"More funds needed to protect women" - Article in Mindanao Times on the 1325 forum

March 2009

At the invitation of IPJ Woman PeaceMaker Mary Ann Arnado, Dee Aker, interim executive director, and Emiko Noma, editor, participated in the International Solidarity Conference on Mindanao as well as Mindanao Peace Power Day.

Executive Summary
Conference Resolution