But she said: Creating spaces for women\u27s voice in community forestry

Filipino women’s participation in forest management pre-dates the introduction of democracy in the Philippines. In the contemporary period, women remain visible and active in forest management. They are present in membership and leadership in many community-based organizations involve in forest management. However, rarely are forestry issues and solutions seen from the “eyes” of women from and working with forest-based communities. For instance, women’s experiences make the connection between population, health, education, food security and the forests. Yet, these are seldom considered, if ever given attention at all. In view of the above, WISE saw the potential role of media and information technology together with the guaranteed freedom of expression and the press in a democratic country like the Philippines as windows for women’s “voices” to be heard. Given this, the initiative called “Women in Community Forestry and Media working hand in hand towards sustainable forestry and social justice” was born. The project has two goals” 1) to facilitate access of community forestry organizations to local, national and international media; and, 2) to contribute in offering “women’s perspectives” in forest management in the Philippines. Thru WISE and the International Association of Women in radio and Television (IAWRT) Philippine Chapter, a community media training for community-based forest management was held in Ocotber 2008. This resulted to: 1) formation and training of a core group of women in community forestry doing media work such as writing press releases and media advisory; and 2) establishment of mechanisms to sustain media work. At present, WISE is sustaining the initiative through the established mechanisms and processes. Stories have been told, experiences have been shared. Women in community forestry are not incidental participants but key players