Creating Peatland Awareness Among Women

Empowering women to become protectors and nurturers of the Leyte Sab-a Peatland starts with consciousness-raising. We aim to reach 400 women in the course of Project Eden. This target is based on the number of women surveyed by Annarose, Angel, Juvian, Melanie and Nelda in the villages of Divisoria, Langit, Tabangohay and Veteranos in the municipality of Alangalang, Leyte.

Results of the survey showed that the most pressing issue experienced by women in the peatlands is the lack of income and employment opportunities. Protection of the peatland is important, however, they will only appreciate the potential of the peatland to provide sustainable income if they know the nature and role of the peatland.

We gathered 40 women from the villages of Divisoria and Langit for a Women Economic Forum. Representatives from the Department of Science and Technology and the Department of Trade and Industry were present to share about their programs that can be availed by women. We also invited Vilma, a restaurant and resort owner , a potential market for native chicken, rootcrops and other produce grown by women.

Participants were mostly women of reproductive age. There were elderly women, too. They shared about their skills, hobbies and interests which can be turned into livelihoods. They were particularly thrilled during the make-up session conducted by Marifel, a professional make-up artist.

The journey towards economic empowerment is long and with the help of friends, we are able to start the journey.