IN celebration of women’s month in Cagayan de Oro City, indigenous women from different indigenous communities from different parts of the country gathered at City Hall park and later transferred to Barangay Lumbia covered court calling for the immediate end to all violence, discrimination, and violation to their rights with the theme “Panagsal-aw: Ipagdiwang ang Sama-Samang Lakas ng Katutubong Kababaehan.”
“Panagsal-aw,” a Higaonon word, which means convergence is a historic event for indigenous women. This city is home to thousands of Higaonon indigenous communities.
Judy Pasimio, the overall coordinator of Lilak Purple Action for Indigenous Women’s Rights, pointed out the significance of the gathering two years after the pandemic
“After two years of lockdown, this is the first time that indigenous women partners of Lilak have come together physically to celebrate our persistence in our struggle against discrimination and violence. As we brace ourselves for bigger challenges under this new government, we affirm our commitment to sisterhood, freedoms, and dignity for all,” said Pasimio.
Wilma Tero-Mangilay a Subanen from Mindanao, said indigenous women continue to face numerous obstacles in their daily lives, particularly with regard to their livelihood, the worsening poverty in indigenous communities, food, and environmental destruction brought on by corporate-led projects.
“This historic action proves that when indigenous women come together, our voices become louder. This is where we draw our strength to continue our fight for the assertion of our rights as indigenous peoples but more importantly, for the recognition of our rights as indigenous women,” Mangilay said.
Among the indigenous women present in the said action are the Higaonon women, together with the indigenous women belonging to Teduray, Lambangian, and Kirinteken Erumanen Menuvu. Also in attendance were representatives from the tribes of Erumanen Menuvu, Subanen, and Talaandig from Mindanao, Iraynon Bukidnon, and Ata Bukidnon women from Visayas, and Dumagat-Remontado, Aeta Abelen, and Igorot from Luzon.
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