Execs eye approval of code to protect women in Maguindanao

MAGUINDANAO, Philippines   ---  A proposed provincial gender and development code is expected to be approved by the provincial board after the Ramadan.

The code will provide equal protection to women in Maguindanao's Moro, Christian, and highland indigenous communities, said board member Bobby Katambak. The code also seeks  to protect women in the province, regardless of religion and tribal identities, from exploitation, human trafficking, pornography, political and religious persecution.

The code garnered support from both the men and women representatives of the province's various stakeholders.

A multi-sectoral consultation on the gender code, held on Monday in Buluan town, was jointly presided over by provincial board members Asnawi Sinsuat Limbona and Russman Sinsuat Jr.

The draft code also has provisions on marriage and family relations, right of Muslim women to wear hijab (head cover), on health services, and on sectoral concerns. The code is also focused on security of women and children in armed conflicts.

“This proposed code will not just protect our women from injustice and marginalization, but empower them as well,” said Engineer Abdulwahab Tunga, the provincial administrator. - John Unson