At a small but heartfelt gathering hosted by the Pagtambayayong Foundation, Maya spoke candidly about her journey. She recalled her days at the University of the Philippines Diliman in the 1970s, where she was drawn into activism against the oppressive Martial Law regime. That passion for advocacy never waned, even when she and her husband, Carlo Butalid, were deployed to the Netherlands in 1983 to assist in solidarity and diplomatic efforts for the movement.
While many might have opted for a quieter life after leaving the movement in 1993, Maya chose a different path—one that led her to immerse herself in the struggles of immigrant communities in the Netherlands. Working at a Dutch welfare institution, she confronted the harsh realities of social poverty, where immigrants, people of color, and Muslims faced systemic discrimination and exclusion from society. Her dedication to social justice led her to a political career as a city councilor in Tilburg, where she championed policies addressing poverty, unemployment, and integration.
Despite encountering opposition from far-right politicians who opposed immigration, Maya approached even her harshest critics with a deep desire to understand their perspectives. It is this unwavering belief in dialogue and empathy that defines her character and fuels her work.
Chasing Windmills: A Life of Struggles and Integration
Maya’s first book, Chasing Windmills, is a collection of personal essays that reflects on her life as an activist, an immigrant, and a woman of Filipino heritage. She chose the title as a nod to Don Quixote’s futile battles, recognizing that many of the causes she fights for may seem like insurmountable challenges. And yet, she persists.
The book explores three central themes: her struggles under Martial Law, her integration journey in the Netherlands, and her connection to her Filipino roots. She writes about the sacrifices she made as a mother, the relentless effort required to integrate into Dutch society, and the strength she drew from the Filipino community abroad and back home.
The Heart of a Mother: Stories of Strength and Struggle
Maya’s second book, The Heart of a Mother, shifts focus from her own life to the lives of the women she has encountered—mothers who have endured discrimination, displacement, and hardship. Among them is the story of a Muslim woman in the Netherlands who, after the September 11 attacks, faced heightened prejudice and hostility. Another account tells of a Syrian mother who reminisces about the good life she once had in Syria, only to find her dignity shattered as an immigrant in a foreign land.
Through these stories, Maya gives voice to women who often go unheard. She presents not just their suffering, but also their resilience, their hope, and their unwavering love for their children.
A Life of Meaning
Now retired, Maya remains actively involved in volunteer work and continues to lend her voice to causes she holds dear. She serves as an adviser to the Bayanihan Foundation, Center for Filipinas in the Netherlands, and remains engaged in climate activism. Even after decades of advocacy, she has never stopped believing in the power of action, of storytelling, and of standing up for what is right.
Maya Butalid’s life is a testament to the idea that one person can make a difference. Whether through activism, politics, or the written word, she continues to inspire those who fight for justice, dignity, and a better future for all.
