CEDAW/C/PHI/CO/6 serve as the basis for comprehensive and targeted intervention and to include the results of such research in its next periodic report. 17. The Committee notes with concern the persistence of patriarchal attitudes and deep-rooted stereotypes regarding the roles and responsibilities of women and men in the family and society. These stereotypes present a significant impediment to the implementation of the Convention and are a root cause of violence against women, as well as of the disadvantaged position of women in a number of areas, including in all sectors of the labour market and in political and public life. 18. The Committee recommends that the State party take measures to bring about changes in traditional patriarchal attitudes and in gender-role stereotyping. Such measures should include awareness-raising and public educational campaigns addressing women and girls, as well as, in particular, men and boys, and religious leaders with a view to eliminating stereotypes associated with traditional gender roles in the family and in society, in accordance with articles 2 (f) and 5 (a) of the Convention. 19. While welcoming the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, the Committee notes with concern that trafficking in women and girls and the exploitation of prostitution continue to thrive in the Philippines, owing to the poverty of women and girls. The Committee is also concerned about the low rates of prosecution and conviction of traffickers and those who exploit the prostitution of women. 20. The Committee recommends that the State party further strengthen bilateral, regional and international cooperation with countries of origin, transit and destination so as to address trafficking in women more effectively. It urges the State party to pursue a holistic approach aimed at addressing the root causes of trafficking and improving prevention. Such efforts should include measures to improve the economic situation of women and girls and to provide them with educational and economic opportunities, thereby reducing and eliminating their vulnerability to exploitation and traffickers. The Committee further calls on the State party to take appropriate measures to suppress the exploitation of prostitution of women, including through the discouragement of the demand for prostitution. It should also facilitate the reintegration of prostitutes into society and provide rehabilitation, social integration and economic empowerment programmes to women and girls who are victims of exploitation and trafficking. The Committee recommends that the State party provide financial support to non-governmental organizations, including religious non-governmental organizations, which run shelters and drop-in centres for the rehabilitation of women and girls in prostitution. The Committee urges the State party to prosecute and punish traffickers and those who exploit the prostitution of women, and provide protection to victims of trafficking. The Committee requests the State party to provide, in its next report, comprehensive information and data on trafficking in women and girls and the exploitation of prostitution and on the impact of the various measures undertaken in that regard. 21. While commending the conclusion of bilateral agreements and the memorandums of understanding on migrant workers’ rights with some countries and regions, and the programme of pre-departure and support services for overseas Filipino workers, the Committee remains concerned at the continued feminization of migration. It also remains concerned that bilateral agreements and memorandums of 4 06-48052

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