Conference Overview

The 7th International Forum on Law and Religion, held on November 21, 2025, brought together an inspiring mix of scholars, faith leaders, lawyers, advocates, government officials, and students to reflect on the future of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda. The Philippines—long a regional leader on WPS—hosted this gathering at a meaningful moment, with global anniversaries of both UNSCR 1325 and the Beijing Platform for Action on the horizon. Speakers highlighted the country’s progress while also acknowledging the realities that still limit women’s full participation in peace processes. Conversations touched on everything from legal reform and community-based peacebuilding to the role of faith, memory, and ethics in shaping more compassionate leadership. Throughout the plenary sessions, a common theme emerged: that peace cannot be built without women, and that their voices must be empowered in every space where decisions are made.

The rest of the conference sessions offered a vivid picture of what WPS looks like on the ground. Presenters shared stories from Mindanao, Myanmar, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Timor-Leste—stories of women rebuilding communities after conflict, navigating climate pressures, facing digital harassment, and fighting for justice even when it is dangerous to do so. These discussions made it clear that WPS is not an abstract policy but a lived reality for millions, shaped by personal courage and community resilience. Participants emphasized the need to bridge national policies with the everyday needs of women in vulnerable areas, strengthen digital safety, support youth leadership, and build spaces where survivors can be heard. By the end of the day, the conference left attendees with a renewed sense of responsibility and hope: that meaningful peace is possible when law, faith, and community work together to uplift human dignity.

Student Highlights

Students described the forum as deeply transformative, often saying it reshaped not just their academic perspectives but their confidence in stepping into spaces of peace, law, and human dignity work. Hyrra Tenestrante shared how she initially felt “underqualified” but quickly realized how much she belonged, saying the sessions gave her “a clearer picture of the kind of work I hope to do one day.” Hearing personal stories—such as Prof. Rahmawati’s call for safe spaces for survivors—left a lasting impression on her. Jiiva Nicole Orcuse also called the experience “eye-opening and inspiring,” noting that it strengthened her networking abilities and helped her overcome her shyness when approaching leaders. She reflected that many delegates “genuinely want to help students,” a realization that encouraged her to speak up more confidently and engage more deeply.

The highlights extended beyond learning moments to meaningful personal encounters that shaped students’ sense of purpose. Jiiva recounted memorable conversations with leaders such as Atty. Krissi Shaffina Twyla Rubin, Ms. Sara Ambor, and Hon. Leila de Lima, calling the lei presentation to Rep. de Lima a “deeply meaningful personal experience.” Meanwhile, Don Sean Thorley Lato described meeting Prof. Suraiya Kamaruzzaman as pivotal, saying she helped him understand that “the intersections between environment, policy, culture, and human dignity are not only real, but urgently needed.” He added that the forum showed him he “genuinely has a seat at the table,” giving him clarity about future paths in law, peacebuilding, or environmental policy. Across all reflections, students emphasized that the forum expanded their vision, strengthened their confidence, and inspired them to pursue leadership rooted in justice, dignity, and service.

Full report available upon request.