A child rights organization underscored on Monday that more jobs and livelihood for women in conflict-affected Mindanao provinces will improve the lives of thousands of displaced children and families who face risks from lingering armed-conflict and the impact of COVID-19 pandemic.
In celebration of the International Day of Human Rights, the Save the Children Philippines (SCP) has called for strengthening of women’s rights to economic empowerment and critical participation in the labor force.
“The realization of women’s rights to socio-economic development is critical to the fulfillment of children’s rights to health and survival, access to learning and well-being,” Chief Executive Officer of SCP Atty. Alberto Muyot said in a statement.
The SCP, in partnership with the Task Force Bangon Marawi and local government agencies, is implementing emergency assistance for the recovery of Marawi City through the Restoring Livelihoods and Learning Project, funded by the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction through the Asian Development Bank.
SCP BARMM Team Leader Edwin Horca explained that the project aims to provide emergency income and livelihood support to displaced families, with focus on supporting the role of women, youth in Marawi and its neighboring municipalities.
“We aim to expedite the delivery of gender sensitive interventions on emergency employment, livelihoods and education. We want to empower women by promoting their right to participate in their community’s economic progression. Women’s empowered participation in economic activities contribute to a transformative and authentic peace building,” Horca said.
The group, citing the data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), reported that the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) recorded the highest unemployment rate at 21.50 percent last September as an adverse impact of the global pandemic and displacement due to armed conflict in the area contributing to the financial crisis of affected families in Marawi.
The SCP said the project provided skills training, financial, and livelihood support for women’s groups in different communities for traditional weaving and other local products, which were identified by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Task Force Bangon Marawi.
Baicon Cayongcat Nuska of Raheemah Women’s Group said the project not only helps the Maranao women on their financial needs but also contribute to the overall economic advancement of the city promoting their local products.
“We are thankful for this project for its efficient and effective strategy to ensure that conflict-affected women are given the opportunity to livelihood and that no woman will be left behind,” Nuska added.