By Alyansa Tigil Mina
Women have always had a close affinity with nature as they play a critical role in protecting and caring for the environment. Thus, it is unsurprising that women are courageously leading the fight against destructive mining in many sites of struggles, as well opposing any revisions to the 1987 Constitution.
On this International Women’s Day, Alyansa Tigil Mina would like to pay tribute to all women in mining-affected communities who are firmly resisting mining operations in their areas and strongly rejecting charter change.
As the primary caregivers in the family, women carry the responsibility of managing the health issues caused by mining. As providers and nurturers in the community, women play multiple roles as they tend to the soil, manage water resources, and watch over farmlands and forests. They suffer most from the impact of mining such as loss of biodiversity, razed forests, soil erosion, and various forms of pollutions.
Women in mining-affected communities are also vulnerable to proposed changes in the Constitution, such as the opening up of the country’s land and natural resources to 100% foreign ownership. Tampering with the charter’s economic provisions is highly detrimental to the country’s sustainable development. It is tantamount to giving up our sovereignty to foreign corporations, whose primary motivation is profit over environmental protection and people’s welfare.
As they defend their land and their rights, women put their lives and security at risk. They become easy targets of red-tagging and harassment when they raise their voices against injustice and join creative and protest actions.
We call on our government leaders to heed the demands of women in the communities — Stop destructive mining operations and prioritize food, land, water, and the right to a safe and healthy environment! We also demand that government agencies uphold and protect women’s rights at all times instead of pushing for charter change.
We likewise extend our solidarity to all women, especially those who fight for gender equity and women empowerment. On this Women’s Day, let us celebrate the victories and advances borne out of women’s glorious struggles. Mabuhay ang Kababaihan!
