The road to become a female mayor is long...

On the occasion of Women's Day the 8 March, ICLD's Secretary General Johan Lilja interviewed Trina Firmalo, a Philippine Mayor and participant of ICLD's training programme Women's Political Leadership. Today he shares his thoughts from the interview.

"There are many reasons for me to write about the importance of women for development, growth, and progress. More valid than any other is that women are systematically denied participation in development work on equal premises. Women make up at least half of the world population but are not granted equal resources and power. We all have equal responsibility - but not opportunities - to work for the welfare of the planet and possibilities to create good living conditions for all, right now, but also for future generations. Systems need to be restructured and reformed.

I had the privilege to interview Trina Firmalo about her journey to becoming a mayor. Trina, who is Mayor of the Municipal Government of Odiongan in Philippines, admits that, even though it doesn’t go without hard work and years of preparations, it had not been possible without her father paving the way for her. She is privileged, but with that said, it is still a very challenging environment, and to win acceptance and voters confidence is still very difficult. Many have discouraged her from competing for the position. The general mindset is that politics is not for a young person, and it is not for a woman. A mindset she is determined to change. Starting from home to school.

Her father had been a medical doctor who decided to leave the capital and return to his home town to run for an elected seat – with ambition to remove corruption and to bring change to his city. Trina was introduced to the world of politics by her father, and after finishing her education she decided to contest. She admits it is expensive to campaign, even though she believes that inexpensive campaigning on social media made a crucial difference. The country has a large young generation and to reach potential voters via non-traditional ways was her way to win the election. That opens the way for less privileged candidates to afford campaigning and get opportunities.

The father was important, but her grandmother meant even more. After Trina's grandmother was widowed and left with nine children, she sold their property and had to work hard to support the oldest to school, and when they found work, they supported the younger siblings' education. Knowing the strong-headed grandmother, who took on the challenge to feed and bring up her nine children, made it possible for Trina to become leader in her municipality and a role model for other women as well. Mentoring other women politicians. She meets many young girls today who want to become mayors in the future as well, so just to be a young woman mayor inspires many others to follow in her footsteps.

When I asked about potential game-changers,Trina says she'd like to see more scholarships for girls and a quotation system for women to get dedicated seats in decision making arenas. This would mean the society sends a signal to all women: "we want your knowledge and capacity" – a message that women will bring positive change for the citizens.

The uneven distribution of power and resources subjects the world to avoidable problems and challenges, no less at the local level. My experience is that women in leadership always put others than themselves in the centre. It is the welfare of the family and the local community that comes first. Making sure to prioritise food security, school systems, health etc., in other words, good living conditions for all. Women bring a perspective that is important for the communities, and they should have equal representation in city councils as men. For me, the strongest message on this International Women's Day is that where you invest your energy as a grandmother or as a role model will create the results of tomorrow. You can become the glimmer of hope for someone else – by acting today!"

Johan Lilja – Secretary General ICLD

Trina Firmalo: