Empowering Women and Girls: Building Safe Referral Pathways in BARMM

Cotabato City, BARMM─ In celebration of Women’s Month, a diverse group of stakeholders gathered for a pivotal Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Stakeholders’ Forum organized by Action Against Hunger Philippines through the ACCESS Project funded by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO). The event, held on March 7, 2024, marked a significant step towards addressing the pressing issues surrounding the safety and well-being of vulnerable groups, notably women and girls in the region.

The forum brought together representatives from protection sectors from government agencies, civil society organizations, local non-governmental organizations, and communities from 11 barangays and four (4) municipalities all united in their commitment to combat GBV and ensure the establishment of safe referral pathways for survivors. The key participants were representatives from the Bangsamoro Women’s Commission, Municipal Gender and Development Office, Philippine National Police’s Municipal Women and Children Police Desks (PNP-WCPD), Ministry of Social Welfare and Development, Integrated Provincial Health Office of Maguindanao, barangay local government leaders, Protection Monitors, Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) Officers. Our local partners from the Integrated Mindanaoan’s Association for Natives, Inc. (IMAN) and the Mindanao Organization for Social and Economic Progress, Inc. (MOSEP) were also present.

In a series of insightful discussions and presentations, participants built upon the ongoing efforts of various stakeholders, delving into the challenges and barriers people, especially women and vulnerable groups, face when accessing support services. They analyzed the existing gaps in referral pathways and worked collaboratively to develop a comprehensive framework of referrals that addresses the specific needs of GBV survivors. From healthcare, mental health and psychosocial support, legal assistance to social and economic support, the forum aimed to create an integrated system that leaves no one behind.

In photo: Action Against Hunger’s Gender and Protection Manager presenting Protection Principles in Humanitarian assistance.

Action Against Hunger’s Gender and Protection Manager, Charisse Jordan, presented the crucial Protection Principles in Humanitarian Assistance which plays a pivotal role in the protection of civilians in times of crises and emergencies. This set the stage for constructive dialogue and strategic planning among stakeholders, highlighting the importance of collective action in addressing GBV effectively.

Throughout the forum, the focus remained firm on the voices and needs of the community. Representatives from various municipalities and barangays shared insights into the specific challenges women face in their respective areas, shedding light on the urgent need for tailored solutions. These discussions underscored the importance of people’s informed and meaningful participation through listening to the stories of survivors, grassroots engagement and community empowerment in driving meaningful change.

In photo: Discussion with the constituents of GBV referral pathways, particularly in the Municipalities of Pagalungan, Datu Montawal, SGA Pikit and Parang, namely the Bangsamoro Women Commission, Municipal Gender and Development Focal, Philippines National Police Women and Children Police Department Officer, Ministry of Social Welfare and Development Officer and Integrated Provincial Health Officer of Maguindanao.

A particularly impactful contribution came from the Community Protection Monitors, trained by Action Against Hunger through the ACCESS Project. Two of them were 30-year-old Samira and 28-year-old Rahim who presented firsthand accounts of the challenges faced by women in their respective communities, emphasizing the importance of community-based protection initiatives and interagency collaboration. Protection Monitors are community volunteers and leaders who oversee the safety, dignity, and rights of individuals in their assigned area, reporting protection concerns, including GBV. They also identify at-risk individuals and connect them with available services and referral pathways.

The forum also addressed pressing issues such as unreported cases of violence against women and girls, barriers to accessing support services, and the alarming persistence of child, early, and forced marriages (CEFM).

Through candid discussions and collaborative problem-solving, stakeholders outlined a series of recommendations to prevent and mitigate protection risks which are often intensified during emergencies and disasters.

In photo: Forum participants presenting specific needs of victims-survivors of GBV and social service providers.

Among the proposed actions were programs for strengthening the functionality of referral pathways and local protection mechanisms during emergencies, awareness campaigns on the rights of women and the harmful effects of CEFM, among others. These initiatives are in line with Action Against Hunger’s Gender and Protection Policies and reflect a holistic approach to addressing GBV, along with other community protection concerns, encompassing prevention, mitigation, and response.

As the forum drew to a close, it became evident that true progress requires sustained commitment, coordination and collaboration from all stakeholders. From government agencies to grassroots organizations, each participant pledged to play their part in building safer, resilient, more inclusive communities for women, girls, boys, men and vulnerable groups in BARMM.

In the words of the Women and Children Protection Desk Head of the Municipality of Pagalungan, “The peace of the community starts with your leadership as the duty bearer of the community.” With this shared sense of responsibility and determination, we can pave the way toward a future where every woman and girl can live free from fear and violence.

*Disclaimer: The names of individuals mentioned in this article have been altered to protect their confidentiality and privacy.

 

The “Assisting the Most Vulnerable Communities and Schools Affected by Complex Emergencies Access Quality and Timely Humanitarian and Disaster Preparedness Services” (ACCESS) Project is funded by the European Union Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid (ECHO) and implemented by Action Against Hunger, CARE Philippines, Humanity and Inclusion, Save the Children Philippines, together with our local partners─Mindanao Organization for Social and Economic Progress, Inc., Integrated Mindanaoan Association for Natives, Inc., ACCORD, Nagdilaab Foundation, Inc., Notre Dame of Jolo College Community Extension Services, and Community Organizers Multiversity.

 

For more information on our Gender and Protection approaches, click here.

Contributors: Sitti Mhuriza Mamasalagat, Sittie Suad Esmael-Macalunas, Laurene Rey | Edited by Joyce Sandajan