Introduction
The Commission on Human Rights, as Gender and Development Ombud under the Magna
Carta of Women undertakes regular monitoring of women’s human rights, especially women in the
marginalized sectors. Since the establishment of its Center for Gender Equality and Women’s Human
Rights Center, sectoral monitoring of women, girls, and LGBTQI human rights have been undertaken.
Initial situationers were released on indigenous and rural women, women with disability, LGBTQI,
girl-children, women in detention, urban poor women, and older women. From these sectoral
monitoring, policy recommendations are forwarded to key government agencies. Reports drawn from
women’s insights and identified issues also inform submissions to human rights treaty bodies and
inputs to reports of human rights mandate holders.
One of the key sectors identified by the Magna Carta of Women are women fisherfolks.
While they are amongst the most vulnerable, the Commission has not focused on their specific issues
and situation. It has been emphasized that the Philippines, being an archipelago, has fisheries as one
of its key industries – and yet despite this, fisherfolks, and most especially women fisherfolks are
among the poorest. With the COVID-19 pandemic with its vast economic impact, fisherfolks are
among those affected, and yet, as always often invisible in the public discourse. With this, the
Commission on Human Rights, with its 16 regional offices, which serve as Gender Ombud in their
areas of jurisdiction, will be undertaking sectoral monitoring focused on women fisherfolks, including
women and girls at risk of trafficking in areas considered as fishing communities.
Executive Summary
The focus group discussions were conducted to provide the CHR with insights on general
experiences and situations specifically on women fisherfolks before and during the COVID-19
outbreak. The discussion mainly focused on their roles, participation, recognition, their
socioeconomic impact and small-scale fisheries needs. This discussion also covers women and girls
conflicts, safety and security related issues, availability and access to information, government
services and support, and undocumented reports of violence survivors who did not seek assistance.
This discussion can be used for studies and revision of existing or planned GBV-specific
activities and interventions in the respective areas.
Objectives of the Sectoral Monitoring
●
Establish a baseline pertaining to the roles and participation of women in small scale fishing,
and of the issues of women fisherfolks including trafficking and GBV, the implementation of
MCW provisions on women fisherfolks, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
●
Gather regional data on women fisherfolks and GBV during the COVID-19 pandemic,
establish and enhance coordination with communities and CSOs, and strengthening CHR
regional office’s situation monitoring on women in the marginalized sectors as Gender
Ombud in respective regions.
Specific Objectives
1. To render visible and document the roles and tasks undertaken by women fisherfolks in the
household and in the community.
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