Deadline: 15-May-2024
The IACVAWC is pleased to inform non-government organizations (NGOs), civil society organizations (CSOs), and people’s organizations (POs) working on VAWC or VAW that the nomination process for the selection of the following NGO representatives to the Council is now open.
- One (1) NGO representing “advocacy”
- One (1) NGO representing “legal assistance”
- One (1) NGO representing “service provision”
They will also participate in advocacy efforts, stakeholder capacity-building, and service delivery to VAWC victim-survivors and their families among other functions.
In the Philippines, the government has recognized the crucial role of non-government and civil society participation in its pursuit for development. This is embodied in the 1987 Philippine Constitution, wherein the duty of the State to institutionalize the role of NGOs in development has been emphasized. In particular, Article II, Section 23 of the Constitution provides that the State shall encourage the participation of non-government, community- based, or sectoral organizations that promote the welfare of the nation. The relationship of the local government units (LGUs) with NGOs is also well-specified in the Local Government Code (LGC) of 1991. Section 34 of the Code states that the LGUs are mandated to promote the establishment and operation of people’s and non-government organizations.
The provision directs IACVAWC to create a mechanism to ensure the participation of NGOs, academe, private sector, civic and religious groups in the implementation and monitoring of VAWC. This is further reiterated in Section 60 of the IRR which states that the council shall ensure the participation of NGOs working on VAWC to effectively implement the Act in whatever form appropriate, including but not limited to the following:
- Formulate and implement policies and programs to eliminate VAWC;
- Conduct capacity building activities for government personnel and share their experiences in handling VAWC cases;
- Coordinate with concerned agencies, LGUs, and other NGOs in reporting alleged perpetrators, rescuing victims of VAWC and conducting investigation, if necessary;
- Document VAWC cases;
- Disseminate related policies and guidelines to eliminate VAWC to their networks both at the local and international levels; and
- Provide services to the VAWC victim-survivor and their families.
Duration
- The selected NGOs and their representatives shall serve for a term of three (3) years.
Functions of NGOs and NGO Representatives
- The selected NGOs and NGO representatives are expected to fulfill the following functions:
- Contribute to the development of gender-responsive anti-VAW policies, programs, and services;
- Assist IACVAWC in conducting advocacy to end VAW, awareness raising on women’s rights and related laws on gender-based violence, and capacity building for frontline service providers;
- Provide assistance in monitoring the functionality of local mechanisms on VAW such as PCAT-VAWC, LCAT-VAWC, and Barangay VAW Desks; and
- Attend Council and TWC meetings as necessary.
Modality of Ngo Participation
- In as much as RA 9262 does not have direct provisions for NGO membership in IACVAWC, NGO participation shall be consultative in nature. The following modalities shall be followed:
- NGO participation in the regular council meetings shall be by invitation only if there are important concerns that need to be discussed with them. The representatives shall take on an “observer” status during meetings;
- The Technical Working Committees (TWCs) representing Primary Prevention, Response System, and Cross Cutting Structures and Actions will also invite concerned NGOs to their meetings and workshops as needed;
- Their involvement could also be through a specific project or activity and shall be covered by a memorandum of agreement (similar with the arrangement with NAPC- WSC for the pilot testing of monitoring tool for assessing the functionality of Barangay VAW Desks); and
- Their attendance and participation in IACVAWC-led activities shall be ensured.
Eligibility Criteria
- The Organization
- The NGO is a duly licensed and registered non-stock, non-profit, and non-government organization in the Philippines;
- The NGO has been implementing anti-VAW programs or services in the Philippines and has a proven track record of involvement in the advocacy against VAW, the prevention of VAW, or the protection of women victim-survivors for at least three (3) years;
- Preferably, the NGO must be working with sectors or clients belonging to the marginalized sectors (i.e. IP, Muslim, women with disability);
- It has a multi-disciplinary national or international network, or it is at least a member of an international or national NGO coalition or federation;
- It must have a proven track record in collaborating with government or other non-government and civil society organizations for at least 3 years; and
- There are no pending civil or administrative cases or investigation before any office, court, or tribunal against the NGO.
- The Representative
- The representative has been involved in the organization for at least 3 years;
- Preferably, he or she is an acknowledged advocate on women’s rights, familiar with gender and development principles and framework, willing to work with diverse groups, adheres to the ethical principles of integrity and fairness, gender-sensitive, and knowledgeable about VAW-related concerns of the sector his or her NGO is representing; and
- There are no pending criminal, civil, or administrative cases or investigation before any office, court, or tribunal against the representative.
For more information, visit IACVAWC.