Starting Point
Ms. Irene Santiago, known as Inday Irene, is a multifaceted individual, a trailblazer, a peacemaker, and a champion for women’s equality in Asia and the Pacific. In her youth, she relocated from the Philippines to New York City to pursue a Degree in Journalism at Columbia University. Now a world-renowned expert in conflict negotiation, she emphasises the growing significance of women's roles in this field, often drawing insights from her training as a reporter.
Peace Journey
Regarding her role in women’s issues, in 1995, Ms. Santiago led the NGO Forum during the UN World Conference on Women in Beijing. It attracted 30,000 participants, which remains the largest and most significant global gathering for women’s empowerment to date.
In the field of conflict resolution, she played a crucial role in implementing a peace agreement that resolved a decades-long conflict with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in Mindanao (MILF). Particularly, in the early 2000s, when the MILF sought to secede from the Philippines, Inday saw an opportunity to demonstrate that women could play a crucial role in peace negotiations.
Further, Inday dedicated herself to understanding the relevant topics and becoming an expert on ceasefire agreements. Drawing on her extensive experience with Muslim women in Mindanao, she made significant contributions to the discussions. The MILF appealed for her support for their transformation from a liberation movement into a political party capable of operating within the government.
Success Stories
Ms. Santiago continues to advocate for these causes in the Philippines and globally. She is one of the few women in history who have worked in the peace talks, demonstrating the impact that women can have by taking a humane approach to overcoming barriers. She inspires countless women around the world, expert leaders who are untapped resources for ensuring stability in the face of chaos and violence.
She credits her drive and self-confidence to her upbringing, which has refined her unique style of communicating her message and negotiating with people from diverse backgrounds. Her ability to organise and unite people extends beyond merely hosting gatherings, allowing them to listen, be heard, and commit to the common goal of fostering lasting peace and harmony in the country.