Strengthening Gender Mainstreaming Capacities of Municipal and Barangay Local Governments in Wao

As a specific point of entry for gender equality mainstreaming, Wao focused on violence against women and children (VAWC). In December 2006, members of the GAD Team went on an LGSPA-sponsored study mission to learn from the VAWC response mechanisms of Davao City. The experience inspired the LGU to craft an action plan designed to strengthen its efforts in addressing VAWC. One of the priorities identified was the orientation of law enforcers, health officers, and DSWD and barangay officials on the enforcement of RA 9262 that criminalizes VAWC. The GAD Team then organized an orientation on RA 9262 for municipal and barangay officials with LGSPA support. Along with the Kapatagan LGU, the Wao GAD Team and barangay officials were exposed by LGSPA to discussions on gender equality as a foundation for responding to VAWC, to key national and ARMM/Muslim-specific policies that are relevant to VAWC, and to legal and paralegal options.

The municipal and barangay officials through the GAD Team realized that to effectively promote the rights of women and children, it was necessary that there be awareness of the gender issues in Wao. Undertaking a participatory research process to identify issues, craft a municipal situation analysis of VAWC, and design doable recommendations and responsive initiatives were thus deemed important LGU organized a core research team composed of some members of the Municipal GAD Team and representatives of the Barangay Development Council (BDC), women associations and active CSOs. LGSPA provided technical assistance and coaching for Wao to undertake community action research using theatre forum as the methodology to better understand VAWC issues that the communities face. The LGU covered the costs of all the key stakeholders’ participation during the community theatre forum.

Starting with two barangays -- Milaya and the Manila Group -- the community action research was begun in September 2008. Drawing from the principles of conscientization and participatory communication, the theatre forum empowered women and men to name the oppressive issues in their lives, as well as articulate and own the solutions to these problems. Many common problems have been unearthed through this highly illustrative methodology. During the forum, potential solutions were identified and action recommendations agreed upon. These will then be raised to the barangay and municipal officials to shape government responses. Already, the municipal LGU is working towards making operational the Women Crisis Center called Balay Dalangpan (literally House of Refuge), a first in the region. The results of the community action research will also be used in formulating the Municipal GAD Code.