Utilizing informal modes of engagement: civil society, substantive representation of women, and the Philippine women’s rights law

ABSTRACT

This article asks how CSOs engage with policymakers in advancing policy change on women’s rights in the Philippine context where political dynasties are prevalent. It draws primarily upon interviews with leaders of women’s organizations, former leaders, directors, and current staff of the policy agency involved in the advocacy work for the Magna Carta of Women, which is regarded as the Philippine version of the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). Findings reveal that while CSOs used formal spaces such as official meetings and dialogues, CSOs also used informal modes of engagement: personal relationships, intermediaries, and reciprocity. Informal modes provide CSOs with the opportunity for sustained and long-term engagement as they develop personal bonds with policymakers which may extend beyond the term of office or appointment period.

KEYWORDS:

• Women
• substantive representation
• civil society
• CEDAW
• Philippines

Acknowledgements

The author expresses her appreciation to Dr. Stephen Noakes and Dr. Jennifer Curtin for their valuable comments. She is grateful to the anonymous referees for their suggestions and instructive feedback.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 Personal interview with a founder of a women’s organization who became part of the women’s policy agency, Quezon City, May 6, 2019.

2 Personal interview with a founder of a women’s organization who became part of the women’s policy agency, Quezon City, May 6, 2019; with a former Chairperson of the women’s policy agency, Makati City, May 7, 2019; with a former Chairperson of the women’s policy agency, Quezon City, May 17, 2019; with a current staff of the women’s policy agency directly involved in the lobby work for the Magna Carta of Women, Manila, May 17, 2019; with a national coordinator of a women’s organization directly involved in the lobby work for the Magna Carta of Women, Quezon City, May 21, 2019; with the Secretary General of a women’s organization involved in the lobby work for the Magna Carta of Women, Quezon City, June 7, 2019.

3 Personal interview with a current staff of the women’s policy agency directly involved in the lobby work for the Magna Carta of Women, Manila, May 17, 2019.

4 Personal interview with a current staff of the women’s policy agency directly involved in the lobby work for the Magna Carta of Women, Manila, May 17, 2019.

5 Personal interview with a former Chairperson of the women’s policy agency, Makati City, May 7, 2019; with a former Chairperson of the women’s policy agency, Quezon City, May 17, 2019.

6 Personal interview with a national coordinator of a women’s organization directly involved in the lobby work for the Magna Carta of Women, Quezon City, May 21, 2019.

7 Personal interview with a current staff of the women’s policy agency directly involved in the lobby work for the Magna Carta of Women, Manila, May 17, 2019.

8 Personal interview with a former Chairperson of the women’s policy agency, Makati City, May 7, 2019.

9 Personal interview with a national coordinator of a women’s organization directly involved in the lobby work for the Magna Carta of Women, Quezon City, May 21, 2019.

10 Personal interview with a national coordinator of a women’s organization directly involved in the lobby work for the Magna Carta of Women, Quezon City, May 21, 2019.

11 Personal interview with a national coordinator of a women’s organization directly involved in the lobby work for the Magna Carta of Women, Quezon City, May 21, 2019; with a former Chairperson of the women’s policy agency, Makati City, May 7, 2019; with a current staff of the women’s policy agency directly involved in the lobby work for the Magna Carta of Women, Manila, May 17, 2019; with the Secretary General of a women’s organization directly involved in the lobby work for the Magna Carta of Women, Quezon City, June 7, 2019.

12 Personal interview with a national coordinator of a women’s organization directly involved in the lobby work for the Magna Carta of Women, Quezon City, May 21, 2019.