CHR issues latest online publication to amplify narratives of Muslim, Moro women in the Philippines

THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR), in its role as the country’s Gender Ombud, proudly launches “Beyond the Veils of Resilience: Voices of Filipino Muslim Women”— a groundbreaking publication that brings to the forefront the lived experiences of Muslim and Moro women in the Philippines.

This latest release highlights the unique stories of resilience and struggle faced by these women, whose identities are often shaped by overlapping layers of discrimination and vulnerability, particularly on the basis of religion, gender, ethnicity, and other intersecting factors.

Misconceptions about their faith, compounded by deeply rooted patriarchal norms, often lead to systemic barriers. These challenges are further intensified for those who belong to indigenous groups, are internally displaced, or identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Spearheaded by the Human Rights Policy Centers Office — Center for Gender Equality and Women’s Human Rights, the initiative draws on findings from focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and community forums conducted across Regions 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula), 10 (Northern Mindanao), and the National Capital Region.

To help bridge the gap between existing policies and the actual experiences of Muslim and Moro women, the Commission examined key areas such as the need to eliminate discrimination based on religion and intersecting identities; ensure right to security and freedom from violence, including the effective implementation of laws prohibiting child marriage; promote economic empowerment; strengthen political participation and representation; and uphold the principles of women, peace, and security, especially in the context of transitional justice.

As the country’s independent national human rights institution, the CHR remains steadfast in its commitment to amplifying the voices of Muslim and Moro women. Read the powerful narratives of Muslim and Moro women here: bit.ly/NarrativesOfMuslimWomen