Hamimah C. Radiamoda. BSSW-SW2/A.
April 3, 2024
Assignment: Research more about WEDC (Women in Especially Difficult Circumstances)
Women:
Women are more vulnerable to violence, abuse, and exploitation in public and
institutional settings as well as in everyday relationships. These issues have significant
costs for both individuals and society as a whole because they prevent many women from
realizing their full potential and achieving full equality. Their individuality,independence,
and safety are all at risk.
Women who experience several sorts of adversity that intersect and have a
substantial influence on their life are referred to as women in exceptionally challenging
situations. Poverty, prejudice, violence, displacement, handicap, and other structural
obstacles are a few examples of these situations.
The Magna Carta for Women (R.A No.9710):
Section 30. Women in Especially Difficult Circumstances. – For purposes of this Act,
Women in Especially Difficult Circumstances” (WEDC) shall refer to victims and survivors of
sexual and physical abuse, illegal recruitment, prostitution, trafficking, armed conflict,women in
detention, victims and survivors of rape and incest, and such other related circumstances which
have incapacitated them functionally. Local government units are therefore mandated to deliver
the necessary services and interventions to WEDC under their respective jurisdictions.
Section 31. Services and Interventions. – WEDC shall be provided with services and
interventions as necessary such as, but not limited to, the following:
(a) Temporary and protective custody;
(b) Medical and dental services;
(c) Psychological evaluation;
(d) Counseling;
(e) Psychiatric evaluation;
(f) Legal services;
(g) Productivity skills capability building;
(h) Livelihood assistance;
(i) Job placement;
(j) Financial assistance: and
(k) Transportation assistance.
Women in Especially Difficult Circumstances:
The Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan 2004–2010 recognized a number of
vulnerable groups for the provision of critical social and health services, and women in
particularly difficult circumstances are one of these categories (WEDC). Examples of WEDC
include the following:
1. Women in armed conflict: Violent clashes and ongoing hostilities have caused
suffering for thousands of individuals. When women are left alone at home to take
care of the family and the children, they are the ones who are most vulnerable.
Inadequate fundamental government services, like as health care, are a result of the
chaotic situation. The poor health of women in armed conflict situations contributes
to high rates of infant and maternal mortality.
2. Women who have been victims of domestic abuse - It is challenging to get reliable
data on violence against women due to its benefit of the family, victims of domestic
violence issues including physical abuse, verbal abuse, and sexual assault at home
typically have to endure their dread, suffering, and wrath in quiet.
3. Prostitute women: In the Philippines, impoverished metropolitan populations,
young women migrants from depressing rural areas, and struggling female students
are examples of prostituted women. These women frequently end up in the lowest-
paying, most disadvantaged positions on both the domestic and foreign labor markets
because they lack the skills necessary to compete in a business-oriented market. They
consequently become the targets of male employers and clients and are more
vulnerable to various STDs.
4. Women in prison: Research and studies have shown that many women convicted of
killing and manslaughtering their husbands or lovers had violent pasts. Drug-related
cases have resulted in the imprisonment of others. Women in jail face a number of
challenges, including: (i) inadequate or nonexistent medical care; (ii) being separated
from their children; and (iii) sexual abuse and Care for mental health (iv).
5. Women without children: Unmarried women who seek out reproductive health care
are frequently stigmatized. Access to family planning and other reproductive health
treatments is denied to single women due to misinformation about the culture and
gender insensitivity among community members and health professionals.
6. Women living in poverty: Women are disproportionately affected by poverty
worldwide, making up the majority of the world's poor. They often face limited
access to education, healthcare, employment opportunities, and resources, which
perpetuates the cycle of poverty.
7. Women with disabilities: Women with disabilities face multiple forms of
discrimination due to both their gender and disability. They may encounter barriers
to education, employment, healthcare, and social participation. They often require
accessible infrastructure, assistive devices, and inclusive policies to ensure equal
opportunities.
8. Human trafficking: Women and girls are particularly vulnerable to human
trafficking, a form of modern-day slavery. They are trafficked for various purposes,
including sexual exploitation, forced labor, and organ trafficking. Trafficked women
face extreme exploitation, physical and psychological abuse, and a loss of autonomy.
9. Women in the workforce: Women face numerous challenges in the workforce,
including gender discrimination, unequal pay, limited access to leadership positions,
and the burden of unpaid care work. These barriers prevent women from fully
participating in the economy and hinder their economic empowerment.
10. Women with mental health challenges: Women are more likely to experience
mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. However, they often face
barriers in accessing mental health services due to stigma, lack of resources, and
gender biases in healthcare.
11. Women in rural and agricultural communities: Women in rural areas, particularly
those engaged in agricultural work, face specific challenges. They often have limited
access to resources, land ownership, credit, and markets. Addressing the gender gap
in agriculture is crucial for poverty reduction and sustainable development.
12. Indigenous women: Indigenous women often experience discrimination and
marginalization due to their gender and ethnicity. They face challenges such as land
dispossession, loss of cultural identity, limited access to healthcare and education,
and high rates of violence.
13. Refugee and internally displaced women: Women who are forced to flee their
homes due to conflict, violence, or persecution face specific challenges. They may
lack access to basic necessities, healthcare, and education. They are also at a higher
risk of gender-based violence and exploitation.
14. Women in rural areas: Women living in rural areas face unique challenges,
including limited access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. They
often lack basic infrastructure and social services, which exacerbates gender
inequalities.
15. Women in the LGBTQ+ community: Women who identify as lesbian, bisexual,
transgender, or queer often face intersecting forms of discrimination and exclusion.
They may experience higher rates of violence, limited access to healthcare, and legal
barriers to recognition and protection of their rights.
The following are Philippine women-related laws:
RA 9710: The Magna Carta for Women
RA 6949: Declaring March 8 as National Women's Day
RA 7877: Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995
RA 8353: Anti-Rape Law of 1997
RA 8505: Rape Victim Assistance and Protection Act
RA 6949: Anti-Trafficking in Person Act of 2003
RA 6949: Anti-Violence against Women & Their Children Act of 2004
1981: The Philippines ratified the United Nations Convention in the elimination of all forms
of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)
RA 6725: Prohibits discrimination with respect to terms and conditions of employment solely
on the basis of sex.
1993: Guidelines for Developing & Implementing Gender-Responsive Projects & Programs
National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women/National Economic and Development
Authority(NCRFW/NEDA)
1995: Executive Order No. 273: Approving & Adopting the Philippine Plan for Gender-
Responsive Development (PPGRD 1995 - 2025)
