PH Highlights Key Role of Women in Gov’t Response to Marawi at Security Council Meeting

Photo Credit: UN Photo/Kim Haughton

02 November 2017 NEW YORK - Women played an important role in the Philippine government’s response to the Marawi crisis in the implementation of rehabilitation and recovery programs and in providing psychosocial support for the trauma healing of the displaced women and children.

In the Philippine statement delivered at the Security Council Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security last October 27, OPAPP Undersecretary Diosita Andot cited the deployment of a composite all-female Civil Relations Company (CRC), composed of 55 enlisted personnel from the Army and 40 non-commissioned police officers, to Marawi in August to assist the survivors of the siege in evacuation centers and communities and significantly need humanitarian and recovery support.

Women-led civil society organizations and local agencies have also channeled their resources in assisting women and children displaced by the conflict, providing psychosocial support for the trauma healing of the displaced women and children by way of trainings on community organizing for livelihood generation and actively engaging them in women peace conversations.

These activities illustrate the women, peace and security agenda in action in the Philippines. 

 “The (Philippine) National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security serves as the blueprint of the government and civil society efforts towards protecting women, preventing violation of their rights, and empowering them so that they play a decisive role in conflict prevention, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding,” the Undersecretary said. END

For more information, visit www.newyorkpm.dfa.gov.ph/ www.un.int/philippines.