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: 1. Protect rural women against sexual abuse or exploitation, especially during and after an emergency. Prevention is more important than remedy. As such, the government should put into place protective mechanisms to prevent the occurrence of abuses to women at the evacuation sites and within their communities. 2. Provide economic opportunities for rural women. Many rural women are forced into prostitution in exchange of basic needs during disaster situations. Providing them opportunities to earn can help remove the push factor for resorting to prostitution. 3. Ensure a rapid response that is gender and culture sensitive, as well as inclusive to different marginalized groups, such as persons with disability, older persons, indigenous persons and women farmers and fisherfolks. This should replace the blanket distribution system that is mostly used in distribution of relief packs and services. Below are some examples of inclusive responses: • For Elderly Persons: Provision of relief packs that does not include food items that may increase the occurrence of illnesses associated with elderly persons. For instance, since hypertension is common in elderly persons, food items that are high in salt, such as instant noodles, should be avoided. Also, as liniment is said to be appreciated by older persons, its inclusion in relief packs for this group should be explored. • For rural women with disabilities: Mobility aid such as wheelchairs and crutches at evacuation centers for those with physical disabilities should be provided. Other tools 27