Six Filipino Women Honored for Their Courage in Fighting for Justice
A recent anthology titled “Six Filipino Women for Justice” was launched by San Anselmo Press at the Asian Institute of Management Conference Center in Makati City on April 26. The book features the stories and brave struggles of former Sen. Leila de Lima, former Vice President Leni Robredo, Rappler CEO and Nobel laureate Maria Ressa, Sen. Risa Hontiveros, former Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales, and activist nun and educator Sister Mary John Mananzan.
The inspiration for the book came after De Lima, a prominent critic of former President Rodrigo Duterte, was imprisoned in February 2017 on drug trafficking charges. Despite facing fabricated evidence, she was eventually acquitted in two out of three cases and granted bail in November of last year.
During the book launch, De Lima emphasized that her fight for justice was not a solitary one, expressing gratitude towards those who stood by her side. She described the struggle against Duterte’s regime as a collective effort, particularly highlighting the role of women in challenging patriarchal violence.
The publication of the anthology was delayed due to the president’s hostility towards dissenting voices. However, the book’s editor, Asuncion David Maramba, emphasized the importance of sharing the stories of these remarkable women as a source of inspiration for others.
“Six Filipino Women for Justice” is part of a series of anthologies commemorating heroic figures in Philippine history. Copies of the book can be ordered through San Anselmo Publications Inc.’s Facebook page.
