THE GABNET SPEAKERS BUREAU

Even though nearly 7 million Filipinas live and work outside the Philippines, information about their history, culture and issues is difficult to come by outside the archipelago.   Very few realize that, far from being the stereotypical subservient and retiring Asian female, the Filipina has long been an active participant in the shaping of her society and her culture;  and that her development and evolution, in certain instances, have far outstripped those of women in other countries.  Gabriela Silang was already virtually a military general in the 18th century, repeating a tradition of women warriors that goes back to the pre-Hispanic “Princess” Urduja who was her tribe’s chieftain and battle strategist.  In the 1950s, an all-women’s electoral party was formed in the Philippines and that tradition was continued by the Gabriela Women’s Party, electoral arm of GABRIELA Philippines.   This notable tradition of politically aware and involved women is also evident among the country’s revolutionary forces which includes MAKIBAKA or Malayang Kilusan ng Bagong Kababaihan (Free Movement of New Womenkind).

This militant tradition has not prevented the exploitation and oppression of the Filipina who now comprises one of the top profit-generating commodities of globalization.  Some 700,000 women were exported from the Philippines in 2005, making the country the world’s top exporter of women.  Indeed, trafficking in women has become an economic strategy for the Philippines, under compulsion from the IMF/WB and WTO.

GABRIELA Network provides lecturers and presenters who have made the study of Philippine women’s history and issues and their connection to global economy and the so-called new world order their lifelong passion.

Terms and conditions: 

For single lecturers:  Honorarium, travel expenses, room and board (if needed)

Training packages:   Four lecturers spread out over a month, for a comprehensive study of history, issues and role in Philippine-US relations.   Honoraria, travel expenses, room and board, if needed.

Topics:

• Philippine Women’s History from pre-Hispanic to Current

• Traditions of Revolutionary Women

• Trafficking - prostitution, sex tours and the mail-order bride

• The Filipina American:  Where is she in the history of her ethnic identity?

• The Current Political Crisis in the Philippines:  Roots and Consequences

• Women and War

• Women and Globalization

• Women and Immigration
  

To request a speaker, please complete and submit the online form or contact our speakers bureau coordinator Becca Dean at speakers@gabnet.org or 1.212.592.3507. For a list of speakers and other details, email: speakers@gabnet.org

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