Empowering Women Leaders in Southeast Asia

Davao City, Philippines—From September 9 to 11, 2024, 25 inspiring women from across Southeast Asia—hailing from Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines—came together for the “Women Leaders in Interreligious Engagement” workshop. Initiated by the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue (KAICIID), in partnership with the Al Qalam Institute of Ateneo de Davao University, this significant event marked a bold step in promoting peace, inclusivity, and collaboration through interreligious and intercultural dialogue.

The workshop centered on empowering women leaders who are actively involved in promoting interreligious engagement and peacebuilding in their respective countries. It built on the momentum of the 2023 Southeast Asia Dialogue Cities Conference and aimed to enhance leadership skills, promote dialogue for peace, and inspire innovative solutions to communal and global challenges.

Day 1: Confronting Conflict and Awareness of Global Issues

The first day kicked off with participants being asked a deeply personal question: “What was your most recent conflict, and how did you handle it?” This introspective exercise prompted honest and insightful discussions on how conflict manifests in various contexts. The conversation expanded to touch on the pressing issues that women leaders face globally—ranging from gender inequality and societal barriers to the challenges of promoting inclusivity and fostering peace in often divided communities.

This exchange of experiences created an atmosphere of empathy and solidarity, as participants began to appreciate the commonalities of their struggles and triumphs despite coming from different cultural and religious backgrounds.

Day 2: Divergence from the System and Standing for Truth

On the second day, activities were designed to highlight the idea that while we live within societal systems, we are not bound by them. Participants reflected on the importance of being divergent—standing up for what is right and just, even when societal norms push them toward conformity. The discussions encouraged the women to lead with conviction and embrace their roles as catalysts for positive change, especially within systems that may perpetuate inequality or injustice.

The second day included a guided tour of key local initiatives that are emblematic of Davao City’s inclusive and sustainable approach to community building. Participants visited Coffee for Peace, a Davao-based coffee shop committed to supporting local coffee farmers through sustainable farming practices and livelihood training. This stop exemplified how local businesses can align with social justice and peace-building efforts by empowering marginalized communities.

The group then visited the Al Qalam Institute at Ateneo de Davao University, a Jesuit institution that has embraced inclusivity by offering Islamic Studies. The program, spearheaded by former university president Rev. Fr. Joel Tabora, SJ, is notable for its 99% scholarship rate during its inaugural year, offering an educational pathway for Islamic students while fostering Christian-Muslim understanding. This initiative stood as a powerful example of how interreligious collaboration can be concretized within educational frameworks, with students giving back to the community by serving at Madaris (Islamic schools) in Davao City.

The final stop was at the Madaris Volunteer Program office, which facilitates volunteer opportunities for those passionate about social justice and education. This office is part of Ateneo de Davao University’s broader commitment to bridging religious divides and fostering solidarity through education and service.

Day 3: Tools for Effective Dialogue: The Diamond Model of Participation

On the last day of the workshop, participants delved into Sam Kaner’s Diamond Model of Participation, a framework designed to facilitate inclusive and productive dialogues. The model encourages organizers to check in with participants before and after meetings, ensuring everyone feels open, prepared, and reflective about the dialogue’s outcomes. This practical strategy, introduced by facilitator Maya Flaminda Javellana Vandenbroeck, offered a tangible tool for fostering more effective and meaningful interreligious dialogues.

The group then visited the Al Qalam Institute at Ateneo de Davao University, a Jesuit institution that has embraced inclusivity by offering Islamic Studies. The program, spearheaded by former university president Rev. Fr. Joel Tabora, SJ, began with four scholars in its inaugural year, offering an educational pathway for Islamic students while fostering Christian-Muslim understanding. This initiative stood as a powerful example of how interreligious collaboration can be concretized within educational frameworks, with students giving back to the community by serving at Madaris (Islamic schools) in Davao City.