The Magna Carta of Women has a specific provision for women affected by disasters, calamities and other crisis situations. Section 10 states that: “​Women have the right to protection and security in times of disasters, calamities, and other crisis situations especially in all phases of relief, recovery, rehabilitation, and construction efforts. The State shall provide for immediate humanitarian assistance, allocation of resources, and early resettlement, if necessary. It shall also address the particular needs of women from a gender perspective to ensure their full protection from sexual exploitation and other sexual and gender-based violence committed against them. Responses to disaster situations shall include the provision of services, such as psychosocial support, livelihood support, education, psychological health, and comprehensive health services, including protection during pregnancy.​ ” The Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997 (IPRA Law) - RA 8371 The IPRA Law provides for protective measures for affected IPs during natural calamities. Section 7 (d) states that: “​In case displacement occurs as a result of natural catastrophes, the State shall endeavor to resettle the displaced ICCs/IPs in suitable areas where they can have temporary life support systems: Provided, That the displaced ICCs/IPs shall have the right to return to their abandoned lands until such time that the normalcy and safety of such lands shall be determined: Provided, further, That should their ancestral domain cease to exist and normalcy and safety of the previous settlements are not possible, displaced ICCs/IPs shall enjoy security of tenure over lands to which they have been resettled: Provided, furthermore, That basic services and livelihood shall be provided to them to ensure that their needs are adequately addressed​.” Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004 – RA 9262 The Anti-VAWC law declares that “the State values the dignity of women and children.” It also recognizes the need to protect them from violence and threats to their personal safety and security (Section 2). Different types of violence articulated in this law are: physical violence, sexual violence (which includes rape, sexual harassment, acts of lasciviousness, prostituting women and children, and acts forcing victims to engage in a sexual activity), psychological violence and economic abuse. Section 35 states the rights of women and children who become victims of violence which includes legal remedies. Sphere Sphere was initiated by a group of humanitarian non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in 1997. Their objective was to improve the quality of their actions during disaster response. Sphere’s philosophy is based on two core beliefs: “​first, that those affected by disaster or conflict have a right to life with dignity and, therefore, a right to assistance; and second, that all possible steps should be taken to alleviate human suffering arising out of disaster or conflict”​ (spherehandbook.org). RECOMMENDATIONS TO ADDRESS THE NEEDS OF RURAL WOMEN AMIDST DISASTERS AND CRISIS SITUATIONS Based on the identified issues and needs of rural women from different sectors during disaster and crisis situations, the following actions are recommended: 26