For several years now, one of the major programs of Institute of Politics and Governance (IPG) is Women in Politics and Governance. This was thru the “Bayi Exemplary Women Leadership in Politics and Governance Award” that later on evolved into the Bayi Academy: Capacity Building and Mentoring Program for Women Leaders

Strategically, affirmative action thru capacity-building for women leaders, both inside and outside government, aims to increase the number of women in the realm of politics and heighten the quality of their participation. Starting this year, IPG with its partners will also strive for the formation of a women’s network from the local to national level thru the formation of the Bayi Network for Women’s Rights and Welfare.

In the international and local arenas, there is an observable trend of retrogression of the democratic gains that have been won from many years of struggle. Manifestations of this retrogression are reflected culturally, weakening of the rule of law and the different institutions of our society. Particularly, women are being pushed to a more vulnerable position because of the prevailing misogyny, harassment, culture of violence and human right’s violations. There is a compelling need to harness the collective strength of women in order to push back and strive to defend and deepen democracy, advance the rule of law and institutionalize pro-women agenda.

The Bayi Network for Women’s Rights and Welfare is a national network of women local government officials, women’s groups and other sectors that are pushing for the advancement of the emancipation, welfare and equal rights of women and believe in a kind of society that is liberating and nurturing wherein the citizen are treated equally, who ever they are, whom ever they love and what ever is their station in life.

 

Key programs of the Bayi Network for Women’s Rights and Welfare:

• Community-Based Awareness and Education Campaign
• Policy advocacy and Lobbying from Local (Municipal, District, Province) to National
• Localization of national initiatives on women’s rights
• Campaigns
• Leadership Development

 

Priority Issues and Legislative Agenda

Block Bills:

• Death Penalty
• Lowering the Age of Criminal Responsibility to Nine (9) Years Old

Push for Effective Implementation:

• Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Law
• Gender and Development Code (GAD Code)
• Juvenile Justice Law
• Reproductive Health Law

Push for Pro-Women and Nurturing Bills:

• Safe Streets and Public Spaces Act of 2017
• Localization of Safe Public Spaces and Reproductive Health
• Expanded Maternity Leave Bill
• Harm Reduction Bill: An Act Mainstreaming the Public Health Approach to Philippine Drug Policy, Establishing and Implementing Community-Based Programs and Strategies for Drug-related Issues and Concerns, and Prohibiting Harmful and Discriminatory Interventions and Practices, Appropriating Funds Therefore, and For Other Purposes
• SOGIE Equality Bill: An Act Prohibiting Discrimination on the Basis of Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity or Expression and Providing Penalties Therefor