Starting Point
Carmen Lauzon-Gatmaytan, also known as Memen, has over thirty years of experience in the development sector in the Philippines. After she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, she pursued postgraduate studies in Public Administration at the University of the Philippines Diliman, as well as Peace and Conflict Studies at Eastern Mennonite University in Virginia, USA. During the 1980s, she played a key role in co-founding the first non-governmental organisation dedicated solely to assisting internally displaced persons (IDPs), collaborating with notable figures from academia, law, and media related to religion.
Peace Journey
She is a significant figure in conflict resolution in Southeast Asia. From 1997 to 2012, she served as the Programme Manager at Initiatives for International Dialogue, where she undertook projects in conflict-affected areas, including Timor-Leste, Myanmar, South Thailand, and Indonesia. From 2012 to 2013, she worked as a consultant at the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process. She served as a Programme Management Officer at the Commission on Human Rights, focusing on the rights of internally displaced persons.
Success Stories
She has an astounding record on championing women's involvement in peace and security as a founding member of Women Engaged in Action on the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (WEAct1325). Moreover, she served as the Protection Officer and Women’s Peace and Security Advisor for the Nonviolent Peace Force Philippines for six years.