The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Philippines on Tuesday, Jan. 30 signed a five-year memorandum of understanding (MOU) to further their partnership in empowering young girls and adult women, particularly those from the most vulnerable populations.
The MOU establishes a framework for collaboration in five areas: generating data to inform programming, strengthening the DSWD’s role in emergencies, supporting the implementation of gender-based violence (GBV) programs, enhancing service delivery systems and referral pathways for GBV survivors, and addressing discriminatory gender norms or practices through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
UNFPA said it will collaborate with the government to strengthen and convene agencies and civil society organizations to work together and comprehensively on GBV prevention and response across the humanitarian-development continuum.
This includes assisting DSWD as co-lead of the GBV sub-cluster, a coordination mechanism comprised of government agencies and civil society organizations working to address GBV in emergency situations.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian expressed his support for the agency’s partnership with the UNFPA Philippines.
“Through this partnership with the UNFPA, we are certain that we will have a stronger system to prevent and respond to gender-based violence in the Philippines. We are thankful to the UNFPA for helping us to promote and uphold the rights of women and children,” Sec. Gatchalian said.
“We’re proud to partner with DSWD, a government agency at the forefront of social protection and women and girls empowerment. Together, we can reach the most vulnerable and provide critical support and services in the fight against gender-based violence and harmful gender norms,” said UNFPA Philippines Country Representative Dr. Leila Joudane.
“Ensuring inclusive access to essential and comprehensive SRHRH and GBV services is central to the UN mission of leaving no one behind. Together with DSWD, we can achieve this by bridging gaps and establishing a reliable referral pathway,” she added.
The MOU is considered a major step forward in the nation’s efforts to fulfill its obligations under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 10 on reduced inequalities and SDG 5 on gender equality, as well as the International Conference on Population and Development Plan of Action.