Starting Point
Ms. Iona Jalijali obtained a Law Degree from the University of the Philippines while working full-time on social issue legislation for Congresswoman Risa Hontiveros. She later joined the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace negotiations, working alongside legal experts, including Marvic Leonen. In June 2010, following her appointment as the Chief Negotiator for the Peace Talks, Mr. Leonen asked her to take on the role of Director of the Panel Secretariat.
Ms. Jalijali identifies as a feminist and is knowledgeable about women's rights and equality, but has never formally joined any women's organisation. While with the Akbayan Party, she concentrated on environmental issues rather than actively advocating for women’s issues in the legislature.
Peace Journey
The Secretariat of the Peace Process, where Ms. Jalijali works, is responsible for conducting technical research, drafting reports, and organising meetings. It assisted the negotiation panel while also managing administrative and financial duties, particularly those related to security measures, such as ceasefire committees. In the political sphere, it worked on cultivating relationships with international allies and local factions.
In her line of duty, she manages logistical and administrative operations with meticulous detail. However, when interacting with senior military officials, she adopts a casual approach, focusing on accomplishing tasks efficiently, even in the absence of a formal military or diplomatic background.
Success Stories
Ms. Jalijali values the personal relationships formed during peace negotiations, viewing the GPH Panel’s women as role models. Her friendships with the members of the MILF delegation have enriched her understanding of their culture, religion, and the struggles they face. She reflects on her transformed view of Islam, acknowledging that her new perspective contributed much to her as a person.
A pivotal moment for her was when the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) text was finalised. She noted that including women in negotiations significantly facilitated the peace process. In a male-dominated setting, her presence helped address sensitive topics without undermining set behaviour, attributes, and roles generally associated with men. With women negotiators prioritising gender issues, she observed more women being included in the MILF delegation, promoting a more inclusive dialogue.