This is the core of the responses to the question posed by Manila Bulletin for the four prominent women changemakers present during the #RightsforAll: Rights for Equality forum held in Makati City on Friday, Dec. 9.
“What [media] are mostly focusing on are the stories in the metro or big cities. But there are LGBT stories in remote areas in the mountains that should not be swept under the rug and deserve proper media attention. That of our farmers, fisherfolk. These can inspire people. Their stories are worth writing for and should be heard,” Brier said.
Madayag shared in the forum her encounters with Filipino women who have been arrested for OSAEC operations. Among the consistent themes of these women’s stories were the importance and necessity of women empowerment, the value of community and solidarity, as well as how equal access to resources and opportunities are keys to advancing women’s rights.
“Let’s teach them how to study and work hard in order to be self-reliant. They need to learn skills for their livelihood. If they become separated from their spouse or a problem arises in their families, the children can still grow up in a good environment,” she said.