Over the past decade, significant efforts have been made to promote gender justice and economic empowerment in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), with Bangsamoro women playing a crucial role in peacebuilding and development. Oxfam and The Asia Foundation (TAF), supported by the Australian Government, have implemented programs that provide marginalized women with training, mentorship, and access to financial resources to help them thrive as entrepreneurs. These initiatives culminated in the Bangsamoro WEE Learning Exchange in 17-19 February 2025, which highlighted policy support, Islamic Finance, and inclusive growth strategies. As a panelist at this event, I shared insights from my work with Coffee for Peace, reinforcing my belief in the transformative power of inclusive economic growth as a path to lasting peace in the region.
In a significant step towards promoting gender justice and economic empowerment in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), I had the opportunity to witness and support key initiatives that have been unfolding over the past decade. These efforts have emphasized the crucial role of Bangsamoro women as vital contributors to peacebuilding and development within their communities.
Oxfam, in collaboration with The Asia Foundation (TAF), has been actively promoting Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) in BARMM. These programs have sought to strengthen the participation of women in governance, social, and economic spheres. Through TAF’s “Accelerate Women’s Economic Participation for Peace and Prosperity in the Bangsamoro” program, marginalized women have received training, mentorship, and coaching. This initiative has improved their access to financial resources and markets, enabling them to thrive as entrepreneurs.
A significant aspect of this journey has been the unwavering support from the Australian Government, which has consistently partnered with Oxfam and TAF to drive sustainable programs that empower Bangsamoro women. These collaborative efforts have not only enhanced women’s economic participation but have also created linkages and partnerships with local actors to ensure these initiatives endure.
To further these efforts, Oxfam and TAF, together with the Bangsamoro Women Commission (BWC) and the Australian Government, organized the Bangsamoro WEE Learning Exchange from February 17-19, 2025, at The Ritz Hotel in Davao City. This event aimed to highlight policy support mechanisms, share experiences, and discuss the implementation of Islamic Finance to promote culturally sensitive, inclusive growth. The exchange also showcased ways to strengthen the economic empowerment of women entrepreneurs and women-led enterprises in BARMM.
I was invited to participate as a panelist in the session on Private Sector Models Supporting WEE. It was an honor to contribute insights from my experiences in social enterprise and peacebuilding through Coffee for Peace, Inc. and PeaceBuilders Community, Inc. Engaging with passionate women leaders and advocates strengthened my belief in the transformative power of inclusive economic growth as a pathway to lasting peace in the Bangsamoro region.
PANEL PRESENTATION
How Coffee for Peace Promotes Women Empowerment in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)
As the Chair and CEO of Coffee for Peace, Inc., I have witnessed the transformative power of empowering women, particularly in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Our peacebuilding initiatives intentionally integrate women in economic, political, and social development, contributing to sustainable peace and inclusive growth. Through strategic programs and partnerships, Coffee for Peace (CFP) actively promotes women’s empowerment in the following key areas:
1. Increasing Women’s Economic Opportunities
- Capacity-Building in Coffee Production: CFP trains women in sustainable coffee farming methods, post-harvest processing, and quality control. These skills empower them to enhance the quality and marketability of their coffee, providing stable income streams for their families.
- Women-Led Micro-Enterprises: CFP supports women-led coffee businesses, guiding them through business registration, marketing strategies, and access to capital. This strengthens their roles as economic contributors in their communities.
- Fair Trade Partnerships: By linking Bangsamoro women coffee farmers to ethical coffee markets, CFP ensures they receive fair prices for their products. This improves household income, strengthens food security, and uplifts entire communities.
2. Promoting Women’s Participation in Political & Public Life
- Women’s Peacebuilding Leadership Training: CFP trains women leaders in conflict transformation, mediation, and dialogue. These women now actively participate in local peace and security councils, advocating for women’s rights and inclusive development.
- Empowering Women’s Voices in Policy Development: CFP collaborates with the Bangsamoro Women Commission (BWC) to support gender-responsive policies that advance women’s participation in governance.
3. Innovating Gender-Sensitive Industrial Equipment
- Ergonomic Coffee Processing Tools: CFP has invested in developing coffee roasting, grinding, and sorting equipment designed for women operators. By ensuring these tools are user-friendly and safe, CFP reduces workplace hazards and ensures women’s full participation in the coffee value chain.
- Community-Based Innovation: CFP actively involves Bangsamoro women in co-designing processing tools that align with cultural values and promote sustainable practices.
4. Training Young Women to Become Entrepreneurs
- Entrepreneurship Bootcamps: CFP conducts intensive training for young women to develop skills in coffee shop management, financial literacy, and social enterprise development.
- Mentorship and Coaching: Through partnerships with successful women entrepreneurs, CFP provides personalized mentoring to help aspiring young women navigate challenges and launch successful enterprises.
Through these initiatives, Coffee for Peace integrates economic empowerment with peacebuilding values. By equipping women in BARMM with skills, resources, and leadership opportunities, we aim to foster a more just, inclusive, and peaceful society.
Empowering women is not just about providing opportunities — it’s about ensuring they are leaders, decision-makers, and vital contributors to the region’s growth and stability.
Mabuhay ang mga kababaihan sa Bangsamoro! Mabuhay ang kapayapaan!
