A two-day activity entitled “GAD Mainstreaming: Contextualizing Gender and Development (GAD) in the Bangsamoro Community and Islamic Perspective” was successfully conducted by the Office of the Wālī of Bangsamoro at the Blue Lotus Hotel in Davao City on December 16-19, 2024. This comprehensive training sought to deepen the Office of the Wālī employees understanding of gender roles and responsibilities by integrating Islamic teachings alongside key legal mandates. Through engaging presentations by the resource persons, the training provided a holistic approach to address gender issues within the context of the Bangsamoro community.

The training started with Ustadha Anisa Taha, of Bangsamoro Women Commission who led the session focused on the Islamic perspective of family. She highlighted the significance of establishing a family grounded by Islamic principles to create a just and resilient society. Additionally, Ustadha Taha explored women’s rights from an Islamic point of view, citing numerous Ayahs from the Qur’an and Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Her discussions provided a deeper understanding of the respect and dignity Islam towards women, countering societal misconceptions that often distort these teachings.

On the other hand, Ustadha Norhaya Usman, also from the Bangsamoro Women Commission, tackled more complex topics, including polygamy and divorce, within the framework of Islamic law. She offered a thorough analysis of the social and moral implications surrounding Muslim men entering subsequent marriages and the challenges faced within the Bangsamoro community. Ustadha Usman discussed the different types of divorce in Islam, providing clarity on their processes and implications, while addressing the common misunderstandings surrounding these topics.

The training was firmly based on national legal frameworks, particularly Republic Act 9710, or the Magna Carta of Women (MCW). This law mandates that all government agencies ensure that their personnel receive human rights and gender-sensitivity training to safeguard women against gender-based violence.
Furthermore, the training adhered to PCW-NEDA-DBM Joint Circular No. 2012-01, which requires regular orientations and capacity-building on Gender and Development (GAD) for all government employees, including clients and partners.

This initiative of Office of the Wālī aligns with the Bangsamoro Government’s commitment to equality, and inclusivity. By contextualizing Gender and Development within the framework of Islam, the training empowers the Office of the Wālī employees to adopt a balanced approach to gender issues while maintaining alignment with Islamic values and principles and national laws.