Women’s Participation in Electoral Politics in One Province in MIMAROPA Region, Philippines

This study explores the extent, challenges, and opportunities surrounding women’s participation in electoral politics in the Province of Oriental Mindoro, a key province in the MIMAROPA Region of the Philippines. Despite the presence of gender equality laws such as the Magna Carta of Women and various gender and development (GAD) programs, the political representation of women remains limited. Employing a descriptive-quantitative approach, the study surveyed 400 respondents, including elected female officials and community members, across selected municipalities and one city from 2013 to 2022. Results indicate that socioeconomic factors—particularly lack of resources, poverty, and education—are the most significant barriers to women’s political engagement. Institutional and psychological factors, such as gender bias, lack of party support, and internalized social norms, also hinder political participation. Moreover, political and religious challenges rooted in traditional values and patriarchal systems further restrict women’s involvement. Statistically significant differences were observed across municipalities, locations, and categories of respondents, reinforcing the role of local culture and structure in shaping these barriers. The study concludes that a multifaceted intervention—combining legal enforcement, capacity-building, community mobilization, and institutional reforms—is essential to bridge the gap between legislation and actual participation. Recommendations include promoting mentorship, enhancing grassroots women’s networks, and initiating local dialogues with religious and political stakeholders to encourage a more inclusive political environment for women. The findings contribute to ongoing efforts in gender and governance discourse and serve as a basis for policy development at both the local and national levels.