CEDAW/C/PHL/7-8
for instance do not necessarily question the provisions on early marriage, polygamy
and divorce because they are provided under Qur ’an. They also considered the
CEDAW provision on equal rights with men in the dissolution of marriage
contradictory to Islamic practice. On the other hand, while some Muslim women
complain about their husband’s polygamous practice, other women consider it an
acceptable arrangement. With another wife catering to their husband ’s needs, it
occasionally frees them from their marital responsibilities to do other things.
Similarly, Muslim men and religious leaders contended that the CEDAW provisions
on early marriage and polygamy do not apply to them. Moro women were reluctant
to change the discriminatory provisions as regards inheritance because it is based on
a Qur’anic verse.
25. The consultation proposed to intensify advocacy to change mindsets towards
removing the discriminatory provisions and to explore other options for reform. The
Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) GAD Code was passed in 2010
following provincial multisectoral consultations, including a consultation workshop
with Muslim Religious Leaders, non-government organizations, women’s groups,
local government units, and members of the academe. The Regional GAD Code
could be an important step in the revision of the CMPL. Short of removal, which
was met with resistance, the agreed provision in the Code is “discouragement of
marriage to a child defined as below 18 years of age. ”
26. The revision of the CMPL rests heavily on the campaign and advocacy of
concerned Muslim groups and on the support of the ARMM Regional Legislative
Assembly. Given the differing opinions or interpretations from the various sectors,
it may take some time for any agreements on revisions that have to be made.
On strengthening the national machinery on women
27. The MCW expanded the mandate of the national women’s machinery, from
being a policy advisory body, to becoming the primary policy-making, coordinating,
over-all monitoring and oversight body on women and gender equality concerns. It
renamed the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women to Philippine
Commission on Women (PCW). The PCW is authorized to direct any government
agency and instrumentality to report on the implementation of their responsibilities
under the MCW.
28. Through the WPLA, PCW promotes support for the formulation of national
laws, and with its partnership with government agencies, was able to push for
executive policies to address gender issues such as the issuance of policies on
improved access to productive resources and social protection of women micro
entrepreneurs under the GREAT Women Project.
29. In 2013, the State Party, through the PCW finalized the Women ’s EDGE Plan
2013-2016 as a guide to agencies and local government units in implementing the
MCW. The main vehicle for implementing and monitoring implementation of the
MCW and the Women’s EDGE Plan is through the preparation of the annual gender
and development plan (GAD Plan) by government agencies and local government
units.
30. The State Party, through the PCW, is organizing its technical assistance to
government on gender mainstreaming around the sectoral themes of the Women’s
EDGE Plan. To support its technical assistance provision, PCW is expanding its
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