This working paper presents the findings and recommendations of a review undertaken to identify how gender is addressed in various conflict, and post-conflict situations in the Philippines, with a focus on Mindanao. Reviews of recent and ongoing efforts to address gender and gender issues in communities affected by conflict were consulted. The review identified three major categories of issues in Mindanao, and corresponding interventions to address these issues: 1) access to basic services, 2) protection and security of internally displaced populations, and, 3) disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration. In all cases, while the review notes important efforts to address gender concerns around these three sets of issues, there is also a need for greater coordination and a more systematic approach to mainstreaming gender in conflict-affected regions. The review also notes the need to address gender through multi-sectoral approaches. The paper also presents five, brief case studies of interesting interventions or approaches which may offer lessons for future post-conflict reconstruction in Mindanao. The case studies cover the psychosocial effects of conflict on children, gender-sensitive community-based education for peace, micro-lending and entrepreneurial training in peace zones, the "Go and See Visit" program for internally displaced persons. Recommendations suggest the provision of equal opportunities for male and female demobilized combatants, in livelihood activities and parallel benefit packages; to conduct men's and women's assemblies starting from the barangay level to the regional level, to disseminate information, encourage involvement in the peace process, and lobby to have women participate on peace panels; the establishment of stronger and closer coordination among the national and local government, and gender-oriented NGOs at the regional, provincial, and local levels; and, to institutionalize gender and peace education in the country's education system, starting with Mindanao, to include revision of the elementary and secondary school curricula.
