Foreword The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung(FES) is a German non­profit, public interest, political-educational foundation active in the Philippines since 1964 to promote participatory democracy, social justice, and international understanding. In the Philippines, FES works with men and women feminists in the areas of politics and governance, labor movement and migration, academe, rural development, and youth empowerment. Gender equality has always been at the core of FES commitment in all its engagements. FES recognizes the value of horizontal and vertical assertions and interventions in the defense and promotion of gender rights. There is urgency in asserting women involvement and leadership in politics and governance to challenge contexts that diminish the value of women contribution to society. Women engagement in policy making and policy­implementation are effective instruments in confronting the continuing proliferation of sexism and misogyny, and in pushing for passage and enforcement of gender responsive policies. In continuing its work on gender and feminism, FES hopes to foster unity among women from different backgrounds; to strengthen women capacities to engage in political and economic development; and to integrate gender rights in the strengthening of institutions both in the economic and political development spheres. The study at hand traces the impact of women movements in historical events and their roles in the passage of landmark policies like the Reproductive Health Law and the Magna Carta of Women. Amid the struggles for freedom, justice and equality, gender rights continue to be an issue even within what could have been considered as progressive organizations. The work towards gender justice in trade unions remains to be the sole responsibility of women trade unionists. Political organizations do not necessarily uphold gender or women rights agenda. Political parties are largely dominated and headed by male members of political dynasties, which is reflective of the dominance of patriarchy and patronage system in Philippine politics. This study, thus, gives emphasis on the importance of asserting women involvement in the socio-economic and political development areas, challenging neo-liberal policies that reinforce gender inequalities. FES would like to thank Mylene Hega, Veronica Alporha and Meggan Evangelista for working with us on this project. We extend our gratitude to Maricris Valte for reviewing the study, and to all the men and women who have shared their experiences, expertise and insights to be part of this work. This study is part of a larger project on political feminism launched by FES in seven Asian countries. We hope that this study will enhance conversations and debates to help find possible areas for collaboration among feminists in the Philippines and in other parts of the world. Johannes Kadura Resident Representative FES, Manila Office August 2017 Renee Tumaliuan Program Coordinator FES, Manila Office i