Save the Children Philippines believes more jobs and livelihood for women in conflict-affected Mindanao provinces will improve the lives of thousands of displaced children and their families who face risks from lingering armed conflict, and the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The child rights organization marks the International Day of Human Rights, calling for the 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,” said Atty. Alberto Muyot, Chief Executive Officer of Save the Children Philippines.
In partnership with the Task Force Bangon Marawi and local government agencies, Save the Children Philippines 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.
BARMM recorded the highest unemployment at 21.50 per cent (Philippine Statistics Authority, September 2020) 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.
Edwin Horca, BARMM Team Leader of Save the Children Philippines said 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 peacebuilding,” said Horca.
The project is now providing skills training, financial and livelihood support for women’s group in different communities for traditional weaving and other local products which were identified by the Department of Trade and Industry and the Task Force Bangon Marawi.
Baicon Cayongcat Nuska of Raheemah Women’s Group said the project will not only help the Maranao women on their financial needs but will significantly contribute to the overall economic advancement of the city promoting their local products. “These women will be our future manpower for the upcoming establishment of the Raheemah Economic Hub and Development Center in Marawi.”
“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,” said Nuska.