84 former women fighters forge new path as peacebuilders

EIGHTY-four women who once bore arms for the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Maute-ISIS group have stepped out of the shadows of conflict and into a new role: architects of peace.

The former combatants gathered on Thursday for the ‘Project We Care Summit,’ a milestone event organized by Pakigdait Inc. to mark their profound transition from armed struggle to civilian life.

The group, now organized as the WeCare Mindanao Network, issued a powerful joint statement redefining their identity beyond the battlefield.

“We are mothers, daughters, healers, and peacebuilders. Our safety, our roles, and our voices must be centered, not sidelined,” the statement read.

While the summit was a celebration, it also highlighted the steep hurdles these women face. According to the network, returnees struggle with discrimination, economic hardship, educational gaps, and broken trust. Despite these barriers, they vowed to continue contributing to stability, stressing that true peace is built on understanding and courage.

“We affirm our right to political empowerment and demand a seat at the table… Our voices, forged in struggle and resilience, are essential for genuine social cohesion and lasting peace,” the group stated.

Jenny Sanguila, program coordinator for Pakigdait Inc., pointed out that the gathering was designed to validate the women’s experiences.“

This is a space to honor the past journey and courage of every former rebel female combatant and celebrate the present and the future,” Sanguila said.

She noted that these women stand as a testament to the power of resilience. By integrating their perspectives, the peace process becomes truly inclusive.“

By giving former combatants a seat at the table, we can ensure that peace is shaped by those who live its consequences,” the organizers added.

For a region long scarred by conflict, the courage of these women serves as a beacon of hope for a more equitable society.