Gender in the development plan for Muslim Mindanao, Southern Philippines

What is it about?

In this chapter, I look into the role of gender in the conflict, women’s participation in peace negotiations, and gender equality as a component of peace and development in Mindanao, Southern Philippines. I suggest that gender inequality has historically shaped conflict in Mindanao. I review women’s participation in peace negotiations in Southeast Asia through the cases of Aceh, Myanmar, and the Philippines. Finally, using critical frame analysis, I look at how gender has been framed in the Bangsamoro Development Plan, a roadmap for sustainable peace of the proposed Bangsamoro government. I find that the gender order has shaped the roles men and women have taken in Bangsamoro history and that women’s participation does not necessarily translate to having gender on the agenda of peace negotiations. I underscore the relevance of increased women’s participation in peace and development processes and critically framing gender on peace agendas.

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Why is it important?

Mindanao has been painted a site of conflict for decades, and is home to the most underdeveloped region in the Philippines. This chapter is a preliminary inquiry into gender, conflict, and sustainable peace in Mindanao, Southern Philippines.

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