THE Middle East crisis should highlight the central role of women in peacemaking and humanitarian work.
Their special contributions are ever emphasized in United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security, which places a premium on appointing women in peacekeeping mechanisms, such as the defense sector.
During the Marawi siege in 2017, we saw how women in checkpoints can assuage fear. They are frontline in dealing with pained communities who were caught in a conflict that they weren’t part of.
My mother, who supervised a school in the Middle East in the 1980s, comes to mind as Ramadan reminds me of her as she passed away this month.
Her grit reminds society of some lessons:
Be proactive. She reminded me not to await instructions but to find ways in problem-solving, even if it wasn’t my task. Empathy is something to be acted upon.
Diversity in skills. One cannot be skilled in just one field. Mother pushed me to enroll in various courses: law, communications and faith studies, among others.
Ramadan this year is not just Women’s Month for me, but also a time to honor my mother Tomanina and all women who find solutions to many crises.
My mother was literally a war survivor who navigated the Jeddah school from the Gulf War.
She had served as the head of the Philippine School in Jeddah (PSJ), where students from diverse nationalities enrolled. Ibrahim Abdi, a Somali alumnus, said that she not only impacted the Filipino community, but also everyone who passed through the doors of PSJ, leaving behind a lasting legacy of kindness, wisdom and dedication.
The Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), which convened 58 member countries, including our country representative, reminded:
– Take all measures, procedures and protective mechanisms to protect women under armed conflicts, cases of post-conflict, displacement or forced migration; ensure women receive humanitarian aid; have access to safe areas; streamline their access to shelter, food, education, health care and other essential needs. Reaffirm women’s role as a key component in social and economic development, peace and security building, and prosperity in member states, noting that respecting their rights and securing their access to all educational levels, including undergraduate, is a considerable pillar in the reconstruction pathway of their countries, and noting that securing all other human rights, such as life, security and dignity, and availing of medical facilities, job opportunities and engaging them in social development is a fundamental right that would enable member states to achieve security and prosperity, and leverage women’s potential in conformity with Islamic values and human rights global standards.
– Call upon the secretary-general of the OIC to follow up on the implementation of the directions and principles stated here, in coordination with the relevant OIC organs and institutions.
May I honor all overseas working women and mothers who sacrifice and multitask to protect their families.
