CEDAW/C/PHI/5-6 b. Effects of globalization. Globalization closely relates to the issue of trafficking and prostitution of women, vulnerabilities of women migrants, the informalization and flexibilization of work, and the marginalization of women workers. Concern is also raised on the threat posed by a global media as a new avenue for further exploitation of women. c. Persistent peace and order problems. As noted above and in Article 6, the impact on civilians (particularly women and children) of crimes and the government’s war against rebel forces and terrorist organizations require immediate and serious attention. Women should be involved in peace building and in rehabilitation of their communities and their livelihood and access to basic services assured. d. Continued gender bias in various institutions. Despite some progress made in introducing gender-fair curricula and materials in schools, the educational system continues to promote gender role stereotypes. There is a need to eliminate stereotypes and sexism not only in schools but also in such social institutions as the church, political system, and the media. They should offer broader options and more positive roles for women and men, such as joint parenting, non-traditional skills and livelihoods, women’s reproductive rights, and non-violent ways of handling conflicts. e. Strengthening the role of the media in promoting women’s issues – This would involve sensitizing women media practitioners to the important roles they play in highlighting women’s issues vis-à-vis other human-related issues, and setting up a database to determine the extent to which trimedia advertisements portray women in sexist, demeaning and stereotypical roles. f. Integrated Response to Women’s Concerns in the Workplace. The threats to women of HIV/AIDS and sexual harassment in the workplace need urgent attention. g. Lack of critical mass of women in top level and decision-making positions. As discussed especially under Articles 7 and 8, women’s low representation in positions of power ties up with the need for more effective measures to eliminate gender biases still evident among women and among those who recommend and approve appointments. It is also related to a need to train women for decision-making posts, encourage women voters to elect men and women who support women’s empowerment and gender equality, and sustain the political agenda and parties of women. h. Need to strengthen the national machinery for women with increasing demand for technical assistance and monitoring initiatives and gains at national and local level. There is a need to strengthen the NCRFW mandate, organizational structure and budget and elevate it to cabinet level to enable it to respond more effectively to the increasing challenges posed by gender mainstreaming in all branches and levels of government, policy advocacy, and monitoring. i. Enforcement and monitoring of gender equality legislation. Although some laws, like the decriminalization of women in prostitution, need to be passed, the Philippines has made great progress in enacting laws and putting in place policies that promote gender equality 43