The Royal Norwegian Embassy in Manila, in collaboration with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Women, Peace and Security Center of Excellence, successfully organized the "Forum on Women, Peace and Security: A Women’s Month Conversation Over Waffles" on March 25. This significant event took place at the Norwegian Ambassador’s Residence in Makati City, marking a key moment during National Women’s Month celebrations.
Multi-Sectoral Dialogue for Peace and Security
As part of the National Women’s Month observance, the forum brought together a wide array of participants from government agencies, the diplomatic community, civil society organizations, youth groups, academe, the security sector, and international partners. The dialogue provided a crucial platform for reflecting on the progress of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda in the Philippines and identifying actionable steps to enhance its implementation at the community level.
Strengthening International Partnerships
In his welcome address, His Excellency Christian Halaas Lyster, the Royal Norwegian Ambassador to the Philippines, emphasized that the WPS Agenda remains a fundamental pillar of the Philippine–Norwegian partnership. This reflects the shared dedication of both nations to inclusive peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and post‑conflict recovery efforts. Ambassador Lyster stated, "Women, Peace and Security is a priority for Norway’s foreign policy," reiterating Norway's ongoing support for peace and reconciliation initiatives in the Philippines and its collaboration with OPAPRU in advancing WPS projects, aligned with Norway's own National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security.
Government Commitment to WPS Implementation
Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Secretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr. highlighted in his message that the forum demonstrates the robustness of the Philippine–Norwegian partnership and the evolving maturity of the WPS agenda within the country. He remarked, "This mini Women, Peace and Security seminar is a reflection of our shared commitment to advancing WPS efforts and realizing our shared vision of achieving genuine and long‑lasting peace." Secretary Galvez stressed that the Philippine government, through OPAPRU, is actively working with peace partners to transform WPS from a policy framework into a practical reality, bridging national policies with on‑the‑ground needs and global commitments.
Women as Central Figures in Peacebuilding
Executive Director Susana Guadalupe H. Marcaida of OPAPRU’s Women, Peace and Security Center of Excellence placed the Philippine WPS agenda within its people‑centered origins, noting that women have historically played a pivotal role in shaping peace efforts long before formal structures were established. She explained, "The story of Women, Peace and Security in the Philippines did not begin with institutions or policies, but with women whose courage and quiet leadership sustained peace long before national frameworks existed." Marcaida emphasized that this foundational work by Filipino women continues to influence the country’s peacebuilding strategies today, ensuring peace is built with people, grounded in real‑life experiences, and maintained through collective action across generations.
Insights from Diverse Sectors
The forum featured a multi‑sectoral panel including Ms. Therese Zabala of the Miriam College–Women and Gender Institute, Bangsamoro Parliament Member Froilyn Mendoza, and Capt. Norsal D. Dimaporo, PN (MNSA), Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Peace and Development Office. Drawing from their expertise in education, governance in the Bangsamoro region, and the security sector, the panelists illustrated how WPS principles are applied across various institutions and communities. They highlighted how collaborative efforts strengthen inclusive, people‑centered peacebuilding, emphasizing the need for deeper localization, improved coordination among institutions, and sustained partnerships across national and local governments, civil society, youth, Indigenous Peoples, the security sector, and international allies.
Forward-Looking Commitments
Throughout the discussions, participants consistently underscored the importance of advancing the WPS Agenda by recognizing women not merely as beneficiaries of peace but as leaders and architects of inclusive, resilient, and enduring peace. The forum concluded with a unified pledge to continue the Philippine WPS journey, fostering an environment where women’s contributions are central to peacebuilding efforts. This event serves as a testament to the ongoing collaboration between Norway and the Philippines in promoting gender‑inclusive security and reconciliation initiatives.
