COVID-19, women issues discussed in UP-CIFAL PH webinar

5 June 2020—In the fourth of a webinar series led by UP-CIFAL Philippines, resource persons from the Philippine Commission on Human Rights (CHR), United Nations (UN) organisations, and the academe discussed COVID-19’s impacts on women.

CHR, UN Women Philippines, International Labour Organisation (ILO) in the Philippines, and Miriam College Women and Gender Institute (WAGI) co-organised the webinar, “Caring in the Time of COVID-19: Gaps and Risks Facing Women,” which drew in 174 participants worldwide.

UP-CIFAL Philippines Director Dr. Edna Co highlighted the sustainable development goals (SDG) relative to the gender dimension of the pandemic, particularly SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, among others.

CHR Commissioner Karen Dumpit talked about the government agency’s COVID-19 responses to protect women such as e-lawyering on gender-based violence cases where victims can report online and are given legal assistance.

Rex Varona, project coordinator of the ILO’s Safe and Fair Programme, pointed out the need to have disaggregated data on overseas Filipino workers affected by COVID-19 and more effective reintegration pathways for returning migrant workers.

Prof. Aurora de Dios, senior project director of WAGI, recommended providing safe and immediate accommodation to victims of human trafficking and prioritising resources for exit services in sexually exploitative areas such as prostitution.

Rosalyn Mesina, programme manager at UN Women Philippines, shared their programme areas on justice and economic empowerment, among others.

WAGI Executive Director Tesa de Vela served as the moderator of the webinar.

Watch the full webinar.

The fifth of a webinar series will tackle “Nurture Nature: Impacts of COVID-19 to the Planet and the People” on 10 June 2020. Register here.