This policy brief outlines key recommendations on how local government units (LGUs) can protect the welfare of women and children during the pandemic. The quarantine measures and disruption of essential services increased the risk of inadequate health services, economic instability, and domestic violence and abuse. It has also exacerbated existing problems such as hunger, poverty, and vulnerability to conflict. LGUs should mainstream the protection of women and child’s rights into their respective COVID-19 response plans and strategies. Specifically, it recommends that first, LGUs must ensure that the implementation of women and child protection-related legislation and programs are strengthened. Social protection institutions and services providers must be assisted in their operations amid the health crisis, and consider alternative means of setting up communication mechanisms. Awareness campaigns can also be integrated into COVID-19 response strategies, through coordinating with community front liners and leveraging social media platforms. Proactive measures on detection and reporting of possible signs and symptoms of women or children being abused should be established. Finally, LGUs may explore closer collaboration with community-based groups, and other organizations to augment and complement resources.
