Cotabato City – The Bangsamoro Women Commission (BWC) successfully conducted an orientation workshop on Gender and Development (GAD) planning and budgeting for local government officials from different municipalities of Maguindanao del Norte including the Provincial Government and Cotabato City on June 27, 2024, at Pagana Kutawato. The workshop, held in coordination with the Ministry of Interior and Local Government (MILG), aimed to strengthen the capacity of local government units (LGUs) in mainstreaming GAD into their development plans and budgets. The workshop provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of the GAD framework and its application in local governance.

The workshop provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of the GAD framework and its application in local governance.

• Understanding GAD principles and concepts: Participants gained insights into the importance of gender equality and women’s empowerment in development.
• Developing GAD-sensitive plans and budgets: The workshop emphasized the need to incorporate gender perspectives in all aspects of local planning and budgeting, ensuring that women’s needs and priorities are addressed.
• Integrating GAD in local governance: Participants learned practical strategies for mainstreaming GAD into existing policies, programs, and projects.

The workshop featured presentations from experts in GAD planning and budgeting, interactive discussions, and practical exercises. Participants actively engaged in discussions and shared their experiences and challenges in implementing GAD in their respective LGUs.

This initiative is a crucial step towards achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). By strengthening the capacity of local governments to integrate GAD into their planning and budgeting processes, the BWC and MILG aim to create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.