GIZ supports the launch of issue brief on women’s participation and leadership in customary and informal justice systems

Spearheaded by IDLO and supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the report highlights the challenges impeding women’s involvement in CIJ systems, the roles of women as justice providers in such systems, and recommendations to improve women’s participation and leadership in CIJ systems. The report features several case studies illustrating how women engage in different types of customary and informal justice systems globally.

The Philippines’ barangay system is among the case studies included as one of the CIJ platforms.  As the smallest unit of governance in the country, barangay is considered as the most accessible justice system to the community, playing a crucial role in preventing gender-based violence. The localization of international and national standards has been instrumental in improving women’s participation in this type of justice system. Despite the persistent negative perceptions and attitudes towards the leadership roles of women in CIJ systems, their active involvement can contribute to a more inclusive and responsive justice systems, particularly for victims of gender-based violence.

To mark the launch of the publication, the event was attended by representatives from various agencies of the government and development organizations engaged in and around issues of rule of law and women’s empowerment. IDLO presented the findings and recommendations to further strengthen women’s participation and leadership in CIJ systems, discussing their relevance in the Philippine context. The presentation was followed by a panel discussion to promote dialogue around women’s justice needs in the Philippines. Panelists included Department of Justice (DOJ) Undersecretary Irene De Torres Alogoc (Executive Director of the Office for Alternative Dispute Resolution), Assistant Secretary Michelle Angelica D. Go of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), National Barangay Operations Office Assistant Director Izza Mari D. Laurio from the Department of Internal and Local Government (DILG), Atty. Ma. Sophia Isabella P. De Castro, from the Policy Development, Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Division of the Philippine Commission on Women, Hon. Rowena Nieves A. Tan from the Regional Trial Court Branch 118, and President of Davao del Sur Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative Bae Norma Rivera.

The activity was supported by GIZ through its Promotion of the Rule of Law in Mindanao (RolMin) project. Funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, the program aims to build the capacities of local complaint bodies in Mt. Apo Natural Park, as well as strengthen gender-responsive informal mediation and formal alternative dispute resolution. Read the full issue brief here.