[van-announce] Philippines congresswoman and activist geared up to address international women's conference

[Philippine Women Centre of B.C.]

Grassroots Women News Release
August 21, 2002
Philippines congresswoman and activist geared up to address international
women's conference

 (Vancouver, Canada) -- Delegates to Towards Our Liberation, a pivotal
international women’s conference on war and aggression, will have the unique
opportunity to attend a keynote address given by Liza Largoza Maza,
Secretary-General of GABRIELA-Philippines and elected congresswoman from the
BAYAN MUNA party. Based on the experience of her 20,000 member strong
national women’s organization and GABRIELA’s ongoing international work,
Maza’s speech will tackle the worldwide struggle of women against war and
imperialism.

 Maza has been active in the movement for national freedom and democracy for
the Philippines since her student days at the University of the Philippines.
Since 1987, Maza has committed herself to GABRIELA and to advancing the
struggle for the genuine equality, development, and freedom for women both
in the Philippines and abroad. Her dedication and insight have inspired
women the world over.

 “The women's movement worldwide is, indeed, replete with valiant stories of
women who have chosen to fight, choosing to lead a life outside the mold set
by this society,” stated Maza at an international conference in Malaysia.
“It is only through our organized strength as women and as exploited and
oppressed peoples, can we act effectively to fight imperialist globalization
and pursue the path to total liberation and genuine social transformation.”

 In 2001, Liza Maza was one of three members of the BAYAN MUNA party to win
election to the congress of the Philippines. BAYAN MUNA garnered the highest
vote for the party-list election in the Philippines. Since being elected,
Maza has confronted the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP)
about its capitulation to US interests evidenced by the GRP’s approval of
the entry of over 4,000 American troops to the Philippines this past year.
She has directly confronted the Armed Forces of the Philippines for their
violent rapes, tortures, disappearances, and murders of GABRIELA organizers
across the nation.

 GABRIELA-Philippines and Grassroots Women – the conveners of the November
conference in being held in Vancouver, Canada – urge women to register for
the conference and join with women around the world in building an
international, anti-imperialist women’s movement.

 -30-

 Media contact: Rachel Rosen, Grassroots Women, 604.215.1905

______________________________________________

"Reclaim the struggle for a renewed
and militant women's movement!"
Grassroots Women
Phone: 604.215.1905
http://grassrootswomen.tripod.com






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