Filipino women are continuing to rise against fascism through this global movement

Filipino women are continuing to rise against fascism through this global movement

One Billion Rising (OBR) is a global movement founded by playwright and activist V (formerly Eve Ensler) in 2012, aiming to end rape and sexual violence against women. The "billion" signifies the staggering statistic that one in three women worldwide will experience such violence in her lifetime, totaling approximately one billion individuals. This year's focus aims to address the alarming rise of fascism and the various forms of oppression that hinder women's rights and freedoms. In the Philippines, this theme resonates deeply, reflecting the nation's ongoing struggles against oppressive governance and systemic injustices.

The Global Context of "Rising Against Fascism"

Launched on November 25, 2024, coinciding with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the OBR 2025 campaign calls upon survivors, artists, and activists globally to unite against the escalating threats of fascism. The movement highlights concerns over recent political shifts in countries like India, Italy, Austria, Hungary, Argentina, and the United States, where governments have increasingly undermined women's and LGBTQ+ rights, eroded democratic institutions, and suppressed dissent. OBR emphasizes the need for bold, impactful actions that center on the most oppressed and marginalized communities. 

The Philippine Struggle Against Fascism

In the Philippines, the fight against fascism is not new. Historically, Filipino women have been at the forefront of resisting imperialism, fascism, and patriarchy. Organizations like GABRIELA, a national alliance of Filipino women, have consistently mobilized to demand land rights, fair wages, and social justice. The "Rise for Freedom" campaign in the Philippines addresses challenges that Filipino women face daily, including state-perpetrated violence, militarization, and systemic abuse.

In addition to that, the 2025 "Rise for Freedom" campaign in the Philippines has seen a series of dynamic events and initiatives:

Supreme Court Endorsement: On February 10, 2025, the Supreme Court of the Philippines reaffirmed its commitment to gender justice by launching the OBR 2025 campaign at its courtyard. This event reaffirmed the judiciary's support for ending violence against women and promoting freedom from fear and oppression.


Iligan City Mobilization: Local government units in Iligan City, led by Mayor Frederick Siao, organized events under the OBR 2025 banner. The activities emphasized the community's collective resolve to live without fear and to shape a future free from violence.

Source: One Billion Rising 

Youth Rising in Baguio: Innabuyog Gabriela Youth UP Baguio spearheaded the OBR launch during "Salakniban 2024," focusing on educating and mobilizing young individuals to stand against fascism and advocate for women's rights.

Source: One Billion Rising 

IDEVAW Celebrations: Coinciding with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (IDEVAW) on November 25, 2024, various regions, including Marikina City and the Southern Tagalog Region, hosted decentralized events. These gatherings featured wellness fairs, educational sessions, and cultural performances, all aligned with the "Rise for Freedom" theme.

Source: One Billion Rising

A Call to Action

As the One Billion Rising 2025 campaign unfolds, it serves as a solid reminder of the collective strength inherent in unified action. In the face of rising fascism, the movement calls upon individuals and communities in the Philippines and beyond to stand together, to harness their creativity, and rise against all forms of oppression.

In the Philippines, the OBR movement has gained significant momentum, with over 170 events organized nationwide. These events aim to address the unique challenges posed by rising authoritarianism and systemic injustices in the country. To educate and mobilize the public, One Billion Rising Philippines has launched a video series titled "What is Fascism" and "How Do We Rise Against Fascism." This series features voices from various sectors:

  • Clarice Palce (GABRIELA): "Fascism is state violence, oppression, and the violent destruction of the rights and future of women and the people. We can only end Fascism through our collective action."

  • Kae Calicdan (GABRIELA Youth): "Fascism is stealing from young people the freedom to choose. No to Mandatory ROTC. AFP and PNP out of our schools."

  • Roel Mape (ACT Teachers): "Fascism is the direct suppression of human rights by the state."

  • Lisa Peña (MIGRANTE International): "Fascism is the heinous violation of human rights. One example here is the case of Mary Jane Veloso, who is still imprisoned at the Correctional Institute for Women in Mandaluyong City."

  • Obeth Montes (GABRIELA): "Fascism for me is violence against women. To fight this, we need to break the silence and act together against it."

  • Joms Salvador (GABRIELA): "Fascism is the concentration and reign of power and wealth in the hands of a few, while the majority of the people are suffering, oppressed, and have no rights. To fight fascism, we have to claim our power as women and as a people. Stand up, unite, and act."

  • Nes Oliva (GABRIELA): "Fascism is the promotion of a culture of corruption, individualism, and oppression of women. To fight this, we need to promote a culture that is pro-country, scientific, and for the masses—to end the oppression of women and people."

  • Psyche Tomarong (GABRIELA): "Fascism is the brutal abuse of women. Stand up and fight for rights."

  • KJ Catequista (GABRIELA Women's Party): "Fascism is the systemic attack on women's rights and freedoms. We must rise collectively to dismantle it."

In the Philippines, where women and marginalized communities continue to face state violence, repression, and economic injustice, this movement serves as both a reminder of past struggles and a symbol of resistance. At its core, this rising is about reclaiming freedom—not just from oppressive governments but from all forms of control and occupation. It is about demanding an end to the occupation and control of countries, of women’s bodies, of the Earth, and of people’s minds and hearts. 

By uniting through awareness, solidarity, creative resistance, and advocacy, Filipinos and allies worldwide can push back against fascist forces and envision a world built on care, community, kindness, solidarity, inclusion, and love. Now, more than ever, it is vital to rise, resist, and reclaim spaces of freedom and dignity.

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