PHILIPPINE: Women oppose wars in Iraq, Mindanao

MANILA — More than 3000 women, led by Women Rage (Women's Resistance to Globalisation and to End War), protested outside the US embassy here on International Women's Day, March 8. The women demanded that the Philippines government address issues of concern to women and stop playing sidekick to US President George Bush.

Women Rage is an alliance of poor and working women, as well as radical and left-wing groups. Women Rage spokesperson Page Reyes challenged the Philippines government to end poverty, oppression and injustice. As long as these problems remain, "'terrorism' will never disappear".

Reyes also demanded that Manila withdraw support for Washington's impending war against Iraq and also end its war against the people of Mindanao.

"And since it is International Women's Day today, we also challenge the [Philippines government] to [allocate budgetary funds] for family planning programs and purchase of contraception for poor women. A woman's right to decide whether she would like to have children or not, and when she wants to have them, should be respected and supported by the government", Reyes declared.

From Green Left Weekly, March 19, 2003.

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From GLW issue 530