The Bangsamoro Women Commission (BWC) of the BARMM visited the Ministry of Human Settlements and Development (MHSD) today, to get updates and review the ministry’s Gender and Development (GAD) accomplishment reports for the year 2020.

The BWC team was composed of Ms. Helen Rojas, Chief of Staff under the BTA Office of MP Karon, Rohaniya M. Sumail, BWC Training Specialist, and Jim Ofonda, BWC Administrative Assistant.

The MHSD was represented by Director General Esmael W. Ebrahim, Atty. Nasihah S. Mamarungcas, Accountant Jasmin M. Macarimbang, Budget Officer Sharabai B. Hasim, and Planning Officer Zainodin Buisan.

Ms. Helen Rojas provided inputs on the institutionalization of GAD in the project proposals of MHSD. She recommended creating a concept note that includes an introduction of the project, rationale, target beneficiaries, and gender-sensitive housing design. According to her, the concept note will support the technical designs of MHSD to consider gender sensitivity.

Director General Esmael W. Ebrahim cited that the target design of MHSD Housing is based on an Islamic Model where there are separate rooms for children, considering gender on the sleeping arrangement.

Organizing a GAD Focal Point System (GFPS) was also one of the highlights of the discussion. The BWC challenged MHSD to be the first BARMM ministry to create a GFPS.

Atty. Nasihah Mamarungcas said the ministry has already started on identifying the members of GFPS and it is already under the review of the MHSD’s management.

Series of capacity building activities for MHSD staff in relation to GAD have also been identified from the meeting. As an immediate response to the training needs of the ministry, Gender Sensitivity Training (GST) will be conducted in partnership with the BWC.