Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Leadership: Participation of Women in the Transition of Governance  

This study examined how women are represented in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), including their challenges and contributions to leadership and decision-making. The Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) and the Magna Carta for Women are two examples of legislative frameworks that exclude women from fully participating in government due to cultural and sociological constraints. The research goals were to investigate these issues and devise strategies to enhance women's leadership in the area. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews with eight female leaders in executive and supervisory roles in government organizations using a qualitative phenomenological method. These participants played an active role in developing and delivering educational services, making them important stakeholders with distinct perspectives on regional leadership and decision-making methods. To ensure the study encompassed a wide range of perspectives, participants were selected based on their roles in MBHTE's regional governance, reflecting diverse experiences and leadership contexts. Purposive and convenience sampling were the primary methods for selecting participants. Findings revealed both progress and persistent challenges, including gender tokenism, patriarchal norms, religious interpretations, and economic dependency, which restrict women's autonomy in governance. Key themes that emerged as challenges for women's leadership include work-life balance, the patriarchal system, a lack of support, and security concerns. Despite these barriers, women made significant contributions to policy creation, gender-responsive governance, and peacebuilding. The study concluded that while women's leadership in BARMM is growing, sustained institutional support and cultural shifts are necessary for meaningful participation. It recommends strengthening gender-responsive policies, leadership training, advocacy efforts, and economic empowerment programs. Future research should explore the long-term impact of gender policies and the intersectionality of socio-economic and political factors influencing women's leadership.