This thesis investigates how activists in the Philippines advocate for the legalization of divorce in a context shaped by religious conservatism, political risk-aversion, and patriarchal structures. Based on qualitative interviews with eight activists, the study identifies key challenges such as red-tagging, lack of legal protection, and moral stigma. Drawing on Political Process Theory, Gramsci’s theory of hegemony, and Sylvia Walby’s feminist theory of patriarchy, the analysis explores how individuals experience and resist these constraints through strategies like online anonymity, storytelling, and grassroots organizing. The findings show that while formal political opportunities are limited, acts of resistance and strategic adaptability persist through relational and discreet forms. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of how advocacy for legal reform is shaped by broader power dynamics and offers insights into the gendered and ideological barriers faced by human rights defenders.