As a movement of grassroots women in Mindanao who are fighting against injustices and oppression fueled by the capitalist system – a system that portrays women and nature as objects for domination and exploitation – we believe that the struggle of the Palestinian people in general and Palestinian women in particular is part of our overall struggle in attaining an eco-socialist and feminist society.
Since October 7, 2023 attacks, the Palestinian death toll in Gaza rises to more than 15,000 were 6,150 are children and close to 4,000 are women. The Gaza Media Office also reported more than 36,000 injured. Historical accounts however showed how Palestinian people stripped out from their lands since 1948. The occupation in Palestine is a clear manifestation of colonialism for economic and political power. This has to stop! They are not less citizens compared to Israeli and any other people in the world. Hence, their political identity and their lands belong to them and not to Israel or any country in the world!
The issue of identity and land is always part of the struggle of the grassroots women in Mindanao. Indigenous peoples’ identity and ancestral lands are threatened by extractive industries and other aggressions in the face of ‘development’ crafted by capitalist investors and local politicians. While grassroots women in rural communities are left unsecured with their food production and source of income because of the inability of the current capitalist system to improve and sustain safe food production and decent living condition. Those who stand against it are faced with repression and militarism.
In this 18-Day National Campaign to End VAW, we strongly condemn all forms of violence against women! We decry how state instrumentalities contribute to women’s violence who stand for their right to identity, land, safe food and decent living. We decry how state and non-state military forces neglect humanity accordingly in their ‘combat for peace’ and how this aggravates the situation of women and girls. We condemn how people view and treat women as sexual objects, subordinates and incapable.
Let this national campaign be an opportunity for us to call for an permanent ceasefire in the Palestinian territory and demand for those responsible be accountable to their actions. We call upon women of all colors, age and race to be in solidarity with women in Palestine, with women who stand against state repression and reclaimed their rights.
No nation can ever be free until its women are free!
Laban at Lakas ng Kababaihan para sa Pagbabago ng Lipunan! (LABAN Kababihan!)
Women Fightback!
Mindanao, Philippines
November 29, 2023
LABAN Kababaihan