Starting Point
Ms. Karen N. Tañada is a partner at the Women, Peace, and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF). She serves as the Executive Director of the Gaston Z. Ortigas Peace Institute, a resource centre in the Philippines dedicated to fostering citizen participation in peace processes. She is also a member of the Third-Party Monitoring Team, an independent entity that oversees the implementation of Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Peace Agreements in the Bangsamoro region.
She comes from a family with a rich tradition of public service spanning four generations. However, her unique dedication to the welfare and rights of the Filipino people has primarily been expressed through her work in non-profit organisations and engagement with non-state stakeholders.
Peace Journey
A vital member of the third-party monitoring team overseeing the peace agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Ms. Tañada has valuable insights into the challenges and successes of this important work. Her leadership role in PILIPINA, a feminist organisation, enhanced her understanding of conflict resolution. She is a valuable resource who can discuss key milestones related to the Principles for Peace in Southeast Asia, the innovative approaches and collaborative efforts that drive change in the region, and the transformative power of peacebuilding initiatives.
Success Stories
She is one of the convenors of several key peace networks, including Waging Peace Philippines, the Mindanao Peaceweavers, and Women Engaged in Action on 1325. Additionally, Ms. Tañada serves as one of the regional coordinators for Peace Women Across the Globe.