In a momentous event that resonates across the region, the Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission, BARMM, BARMM (BHRC) and the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) congregated to ceremonially sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in pursuit of drafting the Gender Ombud Guidelines.

In accordance with the Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No. 4, or the law that operationalizes the BHRC, the Commission is mandated to act as the Gender and Development Ombud to fully guarantee that women’s rights are protected and promoted at all times.

With this purpose in mind, the MoU signing sealed the deal of ensuring that well-comprehensive guidelines are underway to thoroughly provide a robust framework and effective platform to address violence, grievances, and injustices committed against women.

The Gender Ombud guidelines shall act as a mechanism to facilitate access for women to legal remedies and related laws, enhance the protection and promotion of their rights, especially for those who are marginalized, monitor the government in developing indicators and guidelines in compliance with their duties related to respecting, promoting, and fulfilling the human rights of women, and investigate human rights violations relating to women and children, among others.