related to on-going land conflict and protection of ancestral domains were particularly high before the pandemic. However, it relatively decreased during the pandemic. This can be attributed to the mobility restrictions that came with lockdowns. Many of the respondents claim that their focus shifted to economic survival and health during the time of lockdown. Majority of the respondents put high regard to their role as indigenous women human rights defenders in forwarding their agenda and cause. Indigenous women take pride in the leadership positions they occupy in their community. This however is not always explicitly articulated. Rather, it is often expressed through actions. Hence, the common perception is that an IWHRD is respected and admired in their communities. Meanwhile, confronted with threats and harassment, it is their tribal leaders and non-government organizations that they depend on to support and help them. Political Participation There is a huge gap in political participation and representation between indigenous women and men. While most of the indigenous women who participated in the survey believe that women are also capable and should be allowed to lead, those who are able to secure leadership positions are still mostly men. Most indigenous women do not want to run as candidates in the elections because they lack the resources to do so; they are busy with taking care of their families; it is viewed negatively when women take on leadership roles; or their families do not allow them to do so. During the pandemic, indigenous women experience compounded multiple burdens, but it is also this time that their leadership has been made evident. Indigenous women step up to care for, not just their families, but also their communities during emergencies - including during COVID-19 lockdowns, natural disasters, and continuing armed conflict over land. Indigenous women’s actions exemplify the traits they value in leaders - caring, smart, brave, articulate, and familiar with the issues and situations of their communities. More discussions may be conducted to further understand how indigenous women see themselves as leaders or why they do not see themselves as leaders. Recommendations The indigenous women themselves articulated specific recommendations which are feasible and grounded on their realities. Below are some of the common recommendations that cuts across the thematic issues: Services ● Provide accurate, relevant and timely information on COVID-19 and government services to the indigenous communities; ● Institutionalize support for direct access to markets for indigenous products; Page 8 of 206