45 Bangsamoro women leaders from across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) came together last May 5-6, 2023, in Opol, Misamis Oriental for a two-day writeshop on "Making HerStories Count: Bangsamoro Women on Peace, Human Rights, and Governance." The event was held in partnership with the Philippine Muslim Women Council (PMWC) and was made possible through the support of the Australian Embassy.

The writeshop aimed to provide a platform for Bangsamoro women leaders to share and document their peace narratives. It also highlighted the achievements and struggles of women from different backgrounds, cultures, and time periods. The event provided a peacebuilding, healing, and survival platform for wives, widows, orphans, and families of former combatants, women peace builders, and leaders.

The documented narratives and stories gathered during the writeshop will be compiled to amplify the voices of Bangsamoro women who have not been heard. Ultimately, these narratives will lead to the publication of gender-inspired "Bangsamoro HerStories."

The partnership between IAG and PMWC aims to support gender-responsive peacebuilding initiatives that recognize the crucial role of women in peace processes. The participants expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to share their stories and for the platform to be heard. They also thanked the Australian Embassy for its commitment to supporting peace and development in the Bangsamoro region and making the writeshop possible.

The success of the writeshop highlights the importance of providing platforms for women to share their stories and experiences. By amplifying the voices of Bangsamoro women, IAG continues to work towards a more inclusive and peaceful society.