Maranao CSO as Allies in Promoting Women's Rights in Lanao del Sur

According to Nashiba P. Macabando, Chairperson of the cooperative, gender-based violence (GBV) is a problem in the Maranao community. The 2022 data from the Philippine National Police (PNP)-Marantao revealed that only two cases were officially reported in the area while many others go unreported due to cultural norms and a lack of awareness about women's rights.

To address the problem, the group decided to conduct an awareness campaign on gender equality funded under the Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP), one of the key components of the Strengthening Capacities of Civil Society in Caraga and BARMM for Good Governance project. The association aims to provide understanding of women's rights to prevent gender-based violence.

The Marantao Women partnered with the local government unit (LGU) of Marantao and the PNP to undergo gender awareness training. They participated in a seminar-workshop focused on gender sensitivity, violence against women and children, the Bawal Bastos Law (Safe Streets and Public Spaces Act), and referral pathways. Following the training, they conducted an awareness campaign focusing on areas that any agencies had not yet reached.

Have a look at this video from one of their campaigns:

"We discovered that many agencies have not reached several areas due to distance and other circumstances. We mapped out these areas and diversified our target audiences to include women, youth, mixed groups, and even farmers, who are predominantly men, to cover all sectors," said Asliah P. Abdullah, bookkeeper of Marantao Women's Dressmaking Service Cooperative.

Far-aliah Ampuan, a participant in the campaign, mentioned that the programme provided an excellent platform for women to learn about their legal rights. She noted that it became a safe space for women to speak up and interact since most of the topics and examples covered were relatable to them.

She also shared that "the campaign proved to be highly effective. I found the discussion on referral pathways particularly valuable as it broadened our understanding of who to approach for reporting, especially if one feels uncomfortable with official channels. The speakers highlighted that we could go to our Ulama (scholars of Islamic doctrine and law) or Datu (Indigenous People chieftain). They provided us with new knowledge while ensuring alignment with our Maranao and Muslim traditions, which deeply respect our culture."

MWDSC drafted a resolution requesting the support of the LGU to conduct additional gender awareness campaigns in the remote areas of Lanao del Sur. The resolution has been submitted to Marantao’s LGU, which enabled the association to gain accreditation in the municipality’s Local Special Body and be invited to the LGU’s gender and development planning.

The Marantao Women's Dressmaking Service Cooperative is one of the 34 CSOs that have received a sub-grant under FSTP, aimed at supporting their Strategic Action Plan priorities. The grant supports activities that strengthen CSOs’ organisational capacities and CSO-LGU collaboration to promote good governance.

The Strengthening Capacities of Civil Society in Caraga and BARMM for Good Governance project is funded by the European Union and implemented by People in Need Philippines, Balay Mindanao Foundation Inc., and Maranao People Development Center Inc.