Violence against women and girls is a global silent pandemic. During the past two decades the Government of the Philippines has taken national action to legislate against violence against women and girls. Local government plays an important role in delivering on these legal protections, providing gender-responsive services to women and girl victims and survivors. Despite these laws and policies, there remains a high prevalence of violence against women and girls in the country. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has served only to increase the incidence of violence against women and girls.

Political devolution in the Philippines reflects the country’s diverse social and cultural make up, none more so than in the Muslim Mindanao region. After years of civil conflict and peace negotiations, in 2019 the Government of the Philippines recognized the politically devolved Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). During the subsequent political and economic transition period, however, the region continues to feel the effects of ongoing armed conflict, compounded by natural disasters and the national crackdown on COVID-19.