The Indigenous Ikalahan women of the Philippines

Indigenous Ikalahan women play a central role in the stewardship of their ancestral lands, with a deep connection to the forests that sustain their community's identity and way of life. Asami Segundo, a prominent member of the Ikalahan-Kalanguya community, reflects on the significant contributions of women in forest management, particularly through the intergenerational transfer of ecological knowledge. As a founder of the Ikalahan-Kalanguya Youth Organization for Sustainable Development (IKAYO), Asami emphasizes the importance of cultural preservation and environmental stewardship, focusing on the leadership of young women in these efforts. The Ikalahan’s traditional agricultural practices, like swidden farming, rely on women's expertise in sustainable farming techniques that balance agricultural productivity with forest regeneration. Despite the vital role of women in forest stewardship, challenges such as limited local employment opportunities and inadequate institutional support hinder the full realization of their potential. Asami advocates for greater recognition of Indigenous women’s contributions in policy and decision-making, stressing the need for systemic change to ensure that their voices are heard and their knowledge is integrated into broader environmental strategies. Empowering these women is key to ensuring the sustainability of both their cultural heritage and the environment.