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Sandra Cam, a woman of courage

It takes courage to speak out against the powerful in this country. It takes even more courage to stand by the truth despite threats, bribery or harassment. It is even more difficult if one is a woman. A woman who dares to go against the powerful is often attacked, her reputation besmirched, her family shamed, making her a victim rather than the witness. It is for this reason that GABRIELA, the national alliance of women’s organizations, has time and again honored “Women of Courage”.

Clarissa Ocampo, Menchu Itchon, Emma Lim, Acsa Ramirez, and Gov. Grace Padaca are some of the women accorded the Women of Courage citation by the militant women’s group GABRIELA in the previous years. Recently, jueteng whistle blower Sandra Cam joined them for daring to expose the involvement of the First Family in the illegal numbers game.

In brief awarding rites in Quezon City on August 15, 2005, the women’s group gave Cam a bouquet of flowers, a plaque of recognition and a copy of the book “Women of Courage” which contains stories of courageous women from different walks of life.

Also present in the rites were Rep. Liza Maza of Gabriela Women’s Party and also the Vice Chairperson of GABRIELA. Sr. Chit Valerio and other convenors of the Women’s Movement for Arroyo’s Resignation and Regime Change (WOMEN MARCH!), a coalition of women united in the call for Mrs. Arroyo’s resignation. They gave messages of inspiration and encouragement to Cam who has been besieged with death threats and bribes in order to pressure her to recant her earlier statements.

“Sandra Cam has shown exemplary courage in speaking out her knowledge in jueteng operations despite the consequent danger it poses to her life. She deserves particular commendation because she is up against the very powerful and influential Arroyo family-First Gentleman Mike, Congressmen Mikey and Iggy Arroyo and high ranking police official General Mosqueda,” Emmi de Jesus, GABRIELA secretary general said. “Just like other women of courage, Ms. Cam should serve as an example for other women to stand up against corruption and injustice. She is faced with so many odds yet she stood her ground,” de Jesus added.

Innabuyog - Gabriela salutes all women of courage, especially those who have to face threats to their survival each day. Closer to home, we can cite the women of Lepanto mines, all of them women of courage, who have joined the ranks of the striking mineworkers in their struggle for better wages and benefits. They have bravely faced the might of the police, the military, the company and the government in their pursuit of what is just and what is right. #

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