Atty Leni Robredo, Mayor Sitti Hataman, MP Froilyn Mendoza speak at inaugural Women Watch discussion

As part of the University’s celebration of Women’s Month, the Department of Political Science presented Women Watch: Theory on and Practice of Women in Politics, the first in a series of discussions that aim to create a space for women to share experiences and insights on how they navigate, struggle, and negotiate different and intersecting political spaces. 

The morning’s featured speakers were Atty Leni Robredo, 14th Vice President of the Philippines; Froilyn Tenorio Mendoza, Member of Parliament of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao; and Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin Hataman of Isabela City, Basilan. 

University President Fr Roberto C Yap SJ delivered the opening remarks. “We still have a long way to go towards closing [the] gender gap. What is essential now is to continue empowering and celebrating women, shaping and reshaping the path to equality,” he said. “Today’s activity is part of Ateneo de Manila’s commitment to becoming an inclusive and diverse space, an institution rooted in our Ignatian principles and values, and a teaching and learning community that is resilient, innovative, sustainable, and advances transformational changes that make a profound impact on our country and in the world.”

Dr Maria Luz C Vilches welcomed guests and students to the forum, while Dean Czarina Saloma-Akpedonu of the School of Social Sciences introduced the speakers. Atty Robredo spoke of the difficulties she faced as a woman in politics and public service, particularly during her term as Vice President of the Philippines, working with the Duterte administration. She also talked about her continuous efforts in uplifting and empowering Filipinos—especially Filipino women—through Angat Buhay, specifically the Angat Bayi Program, alongside a devoted group of volunteers and advocates. 

“In the continuous work of safeguarding our democracy, as we fight to restore our nation’s spirit in the face of unprecedented challenges, we could use more of Filipino women’s superpowers: their insights, their quiet strength and resolve, and their natural resilience,” Atty Robredo said. 

“I believe that our nation will bloom when we uplift women. We see glimpses of it in our homes and our communities, in different industries, across key sectors, and even among our circle of friends and peers. Filipino women continue to be the heart of our society. If we are to build a nation that is more inclusive and a democracy that can withstand the threats of these times, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that they are empowered to own this space too.”

MP Mendoza and Mayor Hataman then took the stage for a panel discussion on their own experiences as women in positions of power: from their hesitation and resistance, to their acceptance, as well as the pitfalls that come with the responsibility of their roles, and their aspirations for the next generation of women leaders. 

“Power. Katulad ng pulitika, isa siya sa mga kinatatakutan ko,” said Mayor Hataman. “At an early age, nakita ko what power can do to people. Nung naging congresswoman ako, may nagtanong sakin, ‘Anong feeling mo, congresswoman ka na.’ Sabi ko, ‘Wala.’ Kasi hindi ko naman siya nakikita as a position or seat of power, kundi isang responsibilidad, katulad din ng ibang mga trabahong hinawakan ko.”

MP Mendoza talked about mentoring and empowering young indigenous women to help keep their culture and legacy going, from digitizing data and information, to reminding them of the importance of education, love for the environment, and tradition. 

“Sabi ko, kami ay papanaw na. ‘Yung mga elders actually ay wala na. Wala nang magtutuloy ng indigenous knowledge at ito ‘yung isa sa mga very challenging sa aming mga indigenous people—kung paano ipagpapatuloy ‘yung mga wisdom na ito, na nandito na, na naipunla na ng aming mga ninuno,” she said. “At siyempre, ‘yung malaking usapin pa rin sa pagtingin at pagkilala ng lupaing ninuno. Napaka-vulnerable ng ating mga indigenous communities.”

The forum ended with reactors from the Ateneo community—Dr Diana Mendoza, Director of the Ateneo Initiative for Southeast Asian Studies, and Bernice Amanda Mendoza, Sanggunian President—and closing notes from Dr Carmel V Abao, Chair of the Department of Political Science. 

Watch the full discussion: