OBR Philippines Launch
25 November 2023
Manila, Philippines

Sources:
FB: Gabriela- A National Alliance of Women
FB: BAI Indigenous Women’s Network

(Shared by Gabriela/ Lila Pilipina Comfort Women/ KMU Women Workers/ BAI Indigenous Women’s Network/ Bahaghari LGBTQ I + group/ Gabriela Youth/ Amihan Peasant Women)

INDIGENOUS AND GRASSROOTS WOMEN, WOMEN WORKERS, YOUTH LEAD OBR PHILIPPINES LAUNCH

GABRIELA LEADS LAUNCHING OF ONE BILLION RISING
PH 2024, HIGHLIGHTS VIOLENCE IN PALESTINE AND
PHILIPPINES WITH THEME “RISE FOR FREEDOM”

MANILA CITY – In simultaneous observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (IDEVAW), national women’s group GABRIELA launched One Billion Rising (OBR) 2024 at the Plaza Sta. Cruz grounds this afternoon — it is part of a global campaign against sexual exploitation, physical and domestic abuse, discrimination, inequality, repression, and all other forms of violence against women.

“Every minute, women around the globe experience various forms of violence. Today, the center of the most horrific crimes against women and their children is none other than Palestine, with Palestinian women and children constituting 70% of the 14,000+ deaths from US-backed Israel’s bombings. We dedicate the launching of OBR Philippines 2024 to them, and to the leagues of women worldwide yearning for freedom,” stated Clarice Palce, GABRIELA’s Secretary-General.

The OBR PH 2024 launch featured prominent women, LGBTQ+, indigenous peoples (IP), environment, and children’s rights advocates coming together with the theme “RISE FOR FREEDOM”. The centerpiece included toy cubes painted with the colors of the Palestinian flag and adorned with Palestinian resistance artworks, symbolizing the bright aspirations of the future generations of Palestinians. Children and young girls performed flash mob dances as well as Palestinian community performances, culminating in the participants offering flowers for the women and children of Palestine.

“Today, we likewise bring to light the plight of Filipino women, especially those in the countryside and in peasant and indigenous communities, whose experience of rural bombings, militarization, and abuses by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and US agents mirrors that of Palestinian women whose lands are devastated and occupied by Israeli forces with the backing of the United States. It is for this reason that we send the firm message: Filipino women rise with the women and people of Palestine,” explained GABRIELA’s spokesperson.

“We women stand up against the endless wars and crises brought on by imperialist countries like the United States who lend neither mercy nor conscience towards the countless women and peoples victimized and brutalized under the heedless drive for oil, land, and profit. Today, we Filipinos link arms with the women of the world; together, we declare that another, better, brighter world is possible, and we will rise to achieve it,” concluded Palce. ###

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