WOMEN WITH DISABILITIES IN THE PHILIPPINES
Introduction
The Commission of Human Rights, is an independent human rights institution
committed to the mission to “ensure the primacy of all human rights and to their
protection, promotion and fulfillment, on the basis of equality and non-discrimination,
1
in particular for those who are marginalized and vulnerable” pursuant to the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights, and in accordance with the powers and functions
granted by the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines.
Consistent with this mandate, RA 9710 or The Magna Carta of Women (MCW) passed
in 2009 designated the Commission as the Gender and Development Ombud. As the
Gender Ombud, the Commission is tasked to monitor implementation of the MCW and
undertake protection, monitoring, and promotion of the rights of women, particularly of
the marginalized groups of women.
The MCW explicitly identified women with disabilities among the marginalized groups.
Recently, the CHR held several activities and processes where women with disabilities
were included: the National Inquiry in Reproductive Health Rights, Consultation on
CEDAW General Recommendations 19, and the Consultation on Access to Justice of
Women with Disabilities. The CHR also monitors Concluding Observations from human
rights treaty bodies on issues concerning women with disabilities. Further, as Gender
Ombud, the CHR builds collaborations and partnerships with civil society organizations
particularly women’s and disability organizations.
This document draws from the result of these activities, processes and partnerships. It
provides an overview of the rights of women with disabilities, a summary of issues of
women with disabilities and finally recommendations for moving forward.
1
CHR Mission Statement
[1]