DOS strengthens protection of women

WOMEN’S WELFARE --- The local government of Datu Odin Sinsuat pushes for gender equality with the recent conduct of training on gender-based violence and legal mandates protecting women as part of the women’s month celebration. (D.O.S. municipal government)

DATU ODIN SINSUAT (DOS), Maguindanao --- This local government is determined to promote gender equality and strengthen the protection of women following the training on gender-based violence and legal mandates protecting women last March 6 participated by the women sector from said town.

Ismael Sinsuat, municipal administrator, said they would want to institute processes to enhance the active participation of both men and women in decision-making processes and in ensuring that both have equal access to and enjoy the benefits of community projects.

“This commitment is consistent with the project principle of inclusiveness, and its recognition that gender is integral to the project development processes,” said Sinsuat.

Resource speakers include Gender and Development (GAD) Specialist Jenny Yap and National Action Plan on Women Peace Security (NAPWPS) Secretariat Head Helen M. Roxas.

Rica Nur Marcaban, GAD Focal Point System Secretariat, said that based on December 2016 - December 2017 report on Violence Against Women (VAW) by the municipal police station (MPS) of Datu Odin Sinsuat, forty-eight (48) cases were reported, twenty-six (26) were reported for record purpose only, while six (6) of the twenty-six (26) incidents were child abuse.

“Twenty-two (22) were filed in court, fifteen (15) of which were sexual abuse (rape, attempted rape and acts of lasciviousness); of the fifteen (15) cases, ten (10) were committed against minors.,” Marcaban emphasized.

Marcaban stressed that the existence of such cases has prompted the workers on the ground (Barangay VAW Desk Officers, DSWD Workers and PNP) to be trained on pertinent laws related to the situations of women and children especially difficult circumstances and who are in need of special protection.  Having knowledge on the foregoing will equip them to better respond to the GBV cases in the locality.

Datu Sajid S. Sinsuat, Acting Mayor and Municipal GAD coordinator, said this training equipped the participants regarding women and children’s laws, legal protocols, and referral pathways to strengthen their response to difficult cases.

Roxas delivered the topic, “GBV in Conflict Affected Area: Women, Peace and Security”. She pointed out that as duty bearers, when talking about GBV cases, it is considered such as an issue of morality and decency.

“Make use of the existing mechanisms on the ground to never consent amicable settlement, negotiation and compromise in handling GBV cases. Gender-Based Violence is also a human rights violation and justice must be served to all survivors”,” she said.

Meanwhile, Gender-Based Violence and Legal Mandates Protecting Women were distinctly discussed by Ms. Yap.

“The local Government of Datu Odin Sinsuat should continue its support to further strengthen women’s and children’s rights, and fight all forms of Gender-Based Violence in the locality,” Yap said. (GILMHAR A. LAO)