Women Governance

The Women Governance program serves as a comprehensive framework dedicated to increasing the influence of rural women in the management of the Philippines’ natural resources. The program’s journey began with its first implementation, the Women Go project, which focused on the REINA region of Quezon – specifically the municipalities of Real, Infanta, and General Nakar. By targeting the governance of the Southern Sierra Madre, this foundational project sought to transition women from their traditional roles as passive forest users into recognized “change agents” and active decision-makers within Protected Area Management Boards (PAMB).

The core of the program addresses a historical gap in environmental leadership where women, despite being primary managers of household resources, were often excluded from formal policy-making. By providing training in leadership and resource management, the Women Governance program enables women to challenge social barriers and assert their rights in forest governance. This ensures that environmental strategies, such as those within Presidential Proclamation No. 1636, are informed by the unique knowledge and perspectives of the women who live and work within these protected landscapes.

Building on the successes and lessons of the inaugural project, the program continues today through the ongoing WePhili project. This current initiative integrates environmental conservation with enhanced policy literacy and a focused communication strategy. WePhili specifically addresses community-identified concerns such as forest degradation and water shortages, empowering local women to lead workshops and advocate for sustainable solutions. This project deepens the program’s commitment to inclusive governance by ensuring that women are not only heard but are also equipped to navigate and influence the local policies that affect their environment and livelihoods.

Beyond formal governance, the program bridges the gap between conservation and economic resilience through biodiversity-friendly enterprises. In collaboration with local groups like KALIPI and KUMARE, women have developed sustainable livelihoods—such as lemongrass tea production and upcycled textile crafts—that provide a stable income while incentivizing the protection of local ecosystems. By weaving together policy advocacy, community organizing, and sustainable business, the Women Governance program ensures that women remain at the forefront of protecting the country’s natural heritage for future generations.

Projects