Women detainees of Cotabato City Jail gathered in a mini-hall to participate in the one-day activity of the BARMM's Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD-BARMM). They received hygiene kits and psycho-social interventions from the ministry. (Photo courtesy of MSSD-BARMM)
COTABATO CITY (PIA) -- The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has gone the extra mile to observe National Women’s Month by bringing the event to female inmates in this city to ensure that “no woman will be left behind.”
On March 12, the Bangsamoro government’s Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) visited the female dormitory of Cotabato City Jail to conduct a short activity for the inmates.
Nineteen females who are considered persons or women deprived of liberty (WDL), accompanied by one family member each, participated in the program, receiving hygiene kits consisting of bath soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, wet wipes, and sanitary napkins.
Sittie (not her real name), a 36-year-old detainee, broke down in tears as she thanked the MSSD for taking the time to acknowledge them.
"Even though we are far from our families this month of Ramadan, you are here to make us feel our worth as human beings. Thank you very much," she told the MSSD personnel, citing also that March is women’s month.
Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) Minister Raissa Jajurie (2nd from right) handed over a hygiene kit to one of the female inmates inside the Cotabato City Jail. The distribution of hygiene kits, the conduct of legal consultations, and psychosocial activities were part of the ministry’s program in line with the celebration of Women’s Month in the Bangsamoro region. (Photo courtesy of MSSD-BARMM)
Lawyer Raissa Jajurie, minister of MSSD, underscored the importance of recognizing the rights of women, especially those who are deprived of liberty.
She said that the Bangsamoro government, through the MSSD, will ensure that WDLs are treated with respect and dignity, even while serving in prison.
“Gusto natin ay kahit nasa loob sila ng kulungan ay makatarungan pa rin ang kanilang kalagayan. Kasama po ito sa pagsisiguro na humane ang treatment sa mga PDLs,” Jajurie emphasized.
[We want to make sure that even if they are in jail, their situation is still humane and fair, and they are afforded respect and dignity as human beings.]
Jajurie also expressed the hope that the Ministry will be able to help improve the health and well-being of WDLs and play a big part in their overall rehabilitation and change.
Cotabato City Jails' women deprived of liberty (WDL) participated in a psychosocial activity conducted by the social workers of the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD). The activity aimed to help WDLs manage their stress through art therapy, storytelling, and others. (Photo courtesy of MSSD-BARMM)
"We are very happy for this visit and the items provided by the MSSD, especially for the WDLs and their families who received hygiene kits from the MSSD,” said Cotabato City Jail Inspector Warden Cherry Durante.
She said that the WDLs were also provided with “malongs” (blankets) and “hijabs” (head coverings).
Durante disclosed that aside from the hygiene kits, WDLs were also oriented on case processing, which allowed them to consult their respective cases with lawyer Mona Diragen of the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs (MIPA), who provided them with legal advice.
She also expressed her gratitude to the Bangsamoro government for remembering the WDL in their programs and activities, especially this women’s month, which is also the observance of the holy month of Ramadan, an important milestone for Muslims.
The activity also included the conduct of psychosocial support services, which are important for WDLs to help them cope with longing for their families and manage stress through art therapy, stress management activities, and storytelling.
According to her, more than the provision of hygiene supplies and personal accessories, WDLs need love, understanding, and concern from their families and duty bearers, such as the government.
They need hope and inspiration to be willing to transform into the best versions of themselves and be able to go back to mainstream society, as Durante pointed out. (LTB - PIA Cotabato City)
