Weaving Wisdom, Confronting Crises, Forging the Future
22-24 October 2009, Miriam College, Quezon City, Philippines

Weaving Wisdom…

Acknowledging and recognizing the hard work and struggles of many women who have walked with us to this point and paying tribute to those who have passed on, we, close to 700 women and girls representing women’s movements from the Asia and Pacific Region, reaffirm the Beijing Platform for Action (BPFA) as a strategic document for women and girls empowerment, human rights, peace, human security and gender-inclusive development and as a key tool for advancing government’s commitments to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

by Nina Somera, Isis International

Manila, Philippines - (25 October 2009) A serious plenary discussion on a conference outcome document turned into joyful pass-the-hat session in the Marian Theatre of Miriam College, making the convener Patricia Licuanan beam and express, "This is better than a statement."

by Nina Somera, Isis International
Manila, Philippines - (23 October 2009) "It's very real. It's very now."

This was how Ofa Guttenbeil Likiliki described the persistent violations against women's human rights in her country, Tonga. In September 2009, Tongan Prime Minister Dr. Feleti Sevele announced his cabinet's decision not to ratify the Convention of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).

ONSITE REPORT
by Nina Somera, Isis International

Manila, Philippines (23 October 2009) - At the opening of the Asia Pacific NGO Forum on Beijing + 15 at Miriam College, feminists who have lobbied hard at the United Nations (UN) and beyond through the years piece together their memories of struggles and hopes for the future.