Gabriela Women’s Party: Leading the Fight for Women’s Rights and Social Justice in the Philippines

Gabriela Women’s Party: Leading the Fight for Women’s Rights and Social Justice in the Philippines

Gabriela Women’s Party is a progressive political organization in the Philippines dedicated to advocating for the rights and welfare of women, children, LGBTQIA+, and marginalized sectors. Established in 2000, the party traces its roots back to the 1984 formation of a broader coalition of women’s organizations– GABRIELA, which arose in the heat of resistance against the Marcos dictatorship. Named after the Filipina revolutionary who led a revolt against Spanish colonial rule in the 18th century, Gabriela Silang, GWP embodies her spirit of courage and defiance, and to amplify women’s voices within the legislative arena.

Today, Gabriela Women’s Party serves as an important platform for women from all walks of life: workers, peasants, urban poor, indigenous peoples, and migrants, to push for transformative change through both community organizing and legislative action. 

Since earning a seat in the Philippine Congress via the party-list system in 2004, Gabriela Women’s Party has consistently brought the voices of women and the poor into the halls of power. The party has authored and supported numerous landmark laws aimed at protecting the rights of women, children, and uplifting marginalized sectors. Among its most notable legislative accomplishments are:

  • Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003
  • Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004
  • Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710)
  • Expanded Maternity Leave Law (RA 11210)
  • Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Law (RA 11861)
  • Occupational Safety and Health Standards LAw (RA 11058)
  • Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313)
  • Anti-Child Pornography Act (RA 9775)

Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1E7TNQGZP2/ 

GWP was also an active supporter of the Reproductive Health Law and continues to fight for the passage of the SOGIE Equality Bill to protect the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community. The party has also been vocal in advocating for the Absolute Divorce Bill, in recognition of the right to bodily autonomy and to provide a legal remedy for individuals trapped in abusive and irreparable marriages.  

Source: https://currentph.com/2020/03/03/gabriela-womens-party-cites-importance-of-womens-rights/ 

Beyond legislative work, GWP has remained deeply rooted in grassroots organizing. It is part of a nationwide and international network of over 200 organizations and community groups. Whether in urban poor communities, rural villages, workplaces, and even in Filipino migrant hubs abroad, GWP mobilizes women to fight for their rights and their futures. The party also leads the Philippine chapter of the global One Billion Rising movement against gender-based violence. 

GWP has also consistently opposed the imposition of value-added taxes on essential goods, pointing out how inflation and regressive taxation disproportionately hurt poor women and families. 


Source: https://www.bulatlat.com/2021/02/26/how-a-womens-party-has-found-its-voice-pursued-the-rights-and-welfare-of-women-in-male-dominated-congress/ 

Operating in a predominantly male legislative environment, GWP has faced several challenges. Despite these obstacles, the party has remained steadfast in its advocacy and campaign. In an article by Bulatlat, Gabriela Women’s Party representative Arlene Brosas stated, “So while we are debunking red-tagging and all the baseless allegations being hurled against progressive lawmakers, we were able to come up with a pandemic response bill, the pandemic paid bill, and even a bill on solo parents.” 

In 2021, the National Task Force to End Local communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) filed a petition to cancel GWP’s registration, accusing it of attacking the government through provocative statements. However, despite such challenges, GWP continues to advocate for the rights and welfare of women and marginalized sectors. 

As the 2025 midterm elections draw near, Gabriela Women’s Party remains committed to amplifying the voices of women and the marginalized in both the Congress and communities worldwide. In a country where women’s rights are still constantly under threat, Gabriela Women’s Party continues to be a bold and uncompromising force for change, para sa babae, bata, at bayan.

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