BWC starts rollout of BRAPWPS 2023-2028 in Sulu

JOLO, Sulu—To address the specific needs and concerns of women in conflict-affected areas within the BARMM region, the Bangsamoro Women Commission (BWC) started the rollout of the Bangsamoro Regional Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security (BRAPWPS) 2023-2028 on Feb. 29 to March 2, in this province.
 
In partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UN Women, the BRAPWPS 2023-2028 Program is a six-year plan that aims to address the specific needs and concerns of women in the conflict-affected areas in the BARMM region.
 
BWC Chairperson Bainon G. Karon stressed that the BWC remains dedicated to Sulu’s women, working on tailored initiatives to tackle the unique challenges they face in the province.
 
“The Bangsamoro Women Commission continues its resolute commitment to the women of Sulu. Our ongoing efforts are focused on creating meaningful initiatives that address the specific challenges faced by women in the province,” Karon said.
 
“Inaasahan po naming kayo ay makilahok sa dayalogo, pag-uusap at buksan ang inyong kaisipan upang maiparating ang inyong mga hinaing at maiparating natin sa ating chief minister at sa mga leaders natin at ito ay mabigyan ng solusyon sa pamamagitan ng maayos na paglalatag ng mga programa, proyekto, at activities upang mabigyan kayo ng tamang serbisyo ng ating mga ministries, offices, and agencies,” she added.
 
[We expect you to participate in dialogues, discussions, and share your thoughts so that your concerns can be addressed, and we can provide proper services through the establishment of well-structured programs, projects, and activities by our ministries, offices, and agencies.]
 
To ensure the successful implementation of this program, the Commission has collaborated with various stakeholders, including the local government units, development partners, civil society organizations, and the security sector.
 
As one of the key highlights of the event, BWC Tarbiya Council Head Ustadha Anisa Taha discussed the significant role of women in Islam, highlighting their historical contributions during the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
 
By sharing these examples, Taha aimed to inspire and empower the women in attendance, emphasizing the importance of their participation in shaping the future of their communities.
 
Moreover, BWC-Sulu Commissioner Nurunnihar Mohammad said that during this transitional phase towards BARMM autonomy, BWC is duty-bound to exert its maximum endeavors in aiding the implementation of its mandates to facilitate the governance of its successors.
 
Dr. Judith de Guzman, UNDP program manager for the peacebuilding, peace, and stabilization program, said that during the month of March, UNDP, along with its partners, is dedicated to highlighting women’s strength and personal efforts in fostering peace, security, and growth.
 
“Kapag Marso, Buwan ng Kababaihan, tinitingnan po natin ‘yong katatagan ng mga kababaihan, ‘yong kani-kanilang mga kontribusyon po una sa kapayapaan, seguridad at sa kaunlaran po ng kanilang sarili, pamilya, komyunidad, at ng kanilang bayan,”
 
[In March, Women’s Month, we look at the resilience of women, their individual contributions first to peace, security, and their own development, family, community, and nation.]
 
The 3-day activity commenced with a gesture of support through the distribution of sacks of rice and food packs to Bangsamoro women in partnership with the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD), UNDP, and UNWomen.
 
The launch of the BRAPWPS 2023-2028 in Sulu marks a significant milestone in ensuring that the voices and experiences of women are heard and considered in peace and development efforts.
 
By collaborating with various stakeholders and implementing tailored initiatives, the BWC aims to create a more inclusive and equitable society for the women of Sulu and the BARMM region. (Alline Jamar M. Undikan/BIO)