Female Fellowship supports women’s leadership, peace and security in Bangsamoro
20 women leaders from the Bangsamoro region in the Philippines have completed Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD)’s Female Fellowship for the Bangsamoro (FFB) programme.
The fellowship, which began in February 2024, brought together women leaders from across the region's five provinces, representing different political parties and levels of experience, to support women’s leadership as the region transitions from conflict and builds a democratic system that serves its people.
Through four retreats, women leaders had space to learn, reflect, and grow through mentorship from international political figures and practical workshops on leadership, communication, and public engagement.
The fellowship featured high-level training from international mentors, including:
- Hon. Millie Grace Akoth Odhiambo, Kenya’s longest-serving woman MP
- Former First Minister of Scotland, Lord Jack McConnell
- Rt. Hon. Liz Saville Roberts, the first female Plaid Cymru MP
Bai Sandra Sema’s story
For participant and politician Bai Sandra Sema the fellowship was a transformative experience that reignited her passion for public service and sparked renewed determination in her leadership journey.
“I witnessed how war devastated our communities. I fought for peace—that is why the Bangsamoro Organic Law became a reality,” she said.
"I was thinking of not running again… Politics had become exhausting. I hated the money-driven systems. They drained my passion and made me question if genuine leadership still had a place.”
But at the conclusion of the programme, she said “I know there’s still more I can offer”.
Workshops on public speaking, political negotiations, and community engagement helped her rediscover the power of authentic leadership.
“Before, campaigning felt transactional—about introducing yourself and stating your plans. Now, I return to communities, ask what they need, and truly listen,” she shared.
A community of women leaders across political divides
WFD’s research and experience shows that a strong support network is indispensable in helping women overcome the barriers they face in their leadership journeys.
“One of the strongest sources of hope for the peace process and women in the Bangsamoro, was the sense of unity and support that now exists within the group of women involved” said Adele Poskitt, WFD’s Head of Practice for Political Parties and Movements. Contrary to social and cultural norms that are as prevalent in Bangsamoro as they are elsewhere, women could express their political ambitions in a supportive environment.
Moreover, she added, “the inter-generational support, with older, experienced political women leaders offering advice to younger women seeking a political future in Bangsamoro, was one of the most important legacies from the programme.”
The fellowship has proved that despite differing political beliefs and ideologies, and diverse religions, sisterhood can be formed, and that connection and solidarity are possible beyond politics.
With solid foundations, the programme's impact is set to extend. The first cohort of 20 graduates will form an alumni network, committed to mentoring future fellows and supporting women's political leadership in the region.
Strengthening democracy and securing peace
The Female Fellowship for the Bangsamoro initiative is an example of the work that WFD does to support inclusive, accountable, political systems in conflict-affected places.
By creating a space where women can build connections across political, ideological, and religious divides, the fellowship contributes to both women's leadership and peace-building efforts in the Bangsamoro region. And, with research showing that all of society benefits when women participate in politics, the programme is supporting better outcomes for people in Bangsamoro.
In her takeaway, participant Deputy Minister Nur-Ainee Tan Lim of the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) in Bangsamoro said, "Women create and add value wherever they are, and just like assets that grow in value and profit through time, so do women with the proper investment of mentorship, knowledge, finances, and opportunities"
About Bangsamoro
Bangsamoro is an autonomous region in the Southern Philippines formed with the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law on 26 July 2018. The establishment of Bangsamoro (Officially the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao or BARMM) was the culmination of several years of peace talks between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
A transition body, the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) is serving as the interim regional governing body pending elections scheduled for October 2025.
Since 2020, WFD has been leading a programme supporting the BTA to deliver some of the most pressing areas of the transition.
