MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA) -- Known to be an advocate for women's agenda, Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Member of Parliament Diamila Disimban-Ramos is intensifying her advocacy that champions women empowerment in the whole Bangsamoro region.

Ramos, being the chairperson of the BTA parliament’s Committee on Women, Youth, Children & PWDs, assured that she would do her best in exhausting all means to see to it that just like men, women will be enabled to contribute to peace-building, governance and development.

“Makakaasa kayo na ito ay idudulog natin sa parliyamento at isasama sa women agenda,” she said.

(You can guarantee that we will address this to the parliament and incorporate this in the women's agenda.)

Ramos detailed that she had been integrating the essence of women when the Bangsamoro Electoral Code was just proposed.

Accordingly, the original proposal allocated 10% of seats for female representatives of the political party nominees, signifying that only four women from political parties can be members of the Bangsamoro parliament.

Ramos firmly moved that this should be increased to at least 50%, magnifying the crucial role of women in governance.

Although not granted, she was still thankful that the parliament was convinced to settle for 30% allocated seats for women's representation.

Ramos was elated as well to realize that the parliament has welcomed an increasing number of women members over time, from 12 women members during the first parliament to 16 in the second.

She is positive that they would be able to maintain the number of female members of the parliament if the citizenry would do their part as electors and with the odds in their favor.

Ramos highlighted that this is a manifestation of sturdy support poured by the majority of the populace in the stand to give fair treatment and opportunity for all, including women who have been equally making efforts to ensure that society will survive the test of time and thrive amidst uncertainty.

“Gone are the days when we were restrained and limited. With correct guidance and principles, kayang kaya nating harapin ang mga hamon, at makipagsabayan at makipagtulungan sa mga kalalakihan sa pagpapausad ng ating lipunan (we can face the challenges, and go and help men in advancing our society),” she said. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)