Thu Apr 10 11:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Filipina Women Lead Fight for Divorce in Predominantly Catholic Nation
**Manila, Philippines** – In a nation where the Catholic Church holds immense sway, a growing movement of Filipino women is challenging the country’s strict anti-divorce laws. The Philippines, alongside the Vatican City, is the only country globally where divorce remains illegal. This leaves countless women trapped in abusive and violent marriages with no legal recourse.
The Al Jazeera documentary “101 East” profiles these courageous women as they fight for legislative change. The intense social pressure to uphold the sanctity of marriage, deeply rooted in the country’s Catholic faith, creates a formidable obstacle for those seeking to end damaging relationships. The documentary highlights the struggles faced by these Filipinas and their determined campaign to secure the right to divorce and escape abusive situations. Their efforts represent a significant challenge to traditional norms and the powerful influence of the Catholic Church in the Philippines.
First Piper 