CHILD rights group Save the Children Philippines said that providing livelihood to women will improve the lives of thousands of children.

The group called for the strengthening of women’s rights to allow them to join the labor force.

More jobs for women especially in conflict-affected Mindanao provinces will help thousands of displaced children who face the risks from lingering armed conflict, and the socio-economic impact of the Covid19 pandemic.

“The realization of women’s rights to socio-economic development is critical to the fulfillment of children’s rights to health and survival, access to learning and well-being,” said Atty. Alberto Muyot, Chief Executive Officer of Save the Children Philippines.

In partnership with the Task Force Bangon Marawi and local government agencies, Save the Children Philippines implemented emergency assistance for the recovery of Marawi City through the Restoring Livelihoods and Learning Project. The initiative was funded by the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction through the Asian Development Bank.

The Bangsamoro Administrative Region has the highest unemployment rate at 21.50 per cent based on data from the Philippine Statistics Authority.

Edwin Horca, BARMM Team Leader of Save the Children Philippines, said that the project aims to provide emergency income and livelihood support to displaced families, with focus on supporting women and the youth in Marawi and its neighboring municipalities.

“We aim to expedite the delivery of gender sensitive interventions on emergency employment, livelihoods and education. We want to empower women by promoting their right to participate in their community’s economic progression. Women’s empowered participation in economic activities contribute to a transformative and authentic peacebuilding,” Horca said.

The project provides skills training, financial and livelihood support for women’s group in different communities for traditional weaving and other local products which were identified by the Department of Trade and Industry and the Task Force Bangon Marawi.

Baicon Cayongcat Nuska of Raheemah Women’s Group said the project will not only help the Maranao women in their financial needs but will significantly contribute to the overall economic advancement of the city.

“These women will be our future manpower for the upcoming establishment of the Raheemah Economic Hub and Development Center in Marawi,” Nuska said.