MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--Some women in the province of Lanao del Sur will soon relish another initiative that, once implemented, will highlight the significance of their presence in the community.

Such is being looked forward to with the Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW)—Philippines' recently introduced project named Enhanced Economic and Social Wellbeing of Vulnerable and Extreme Poor Women-Headed Household and Children (ENHANCED).

IRW-Philippines Area Programme Manager Sittie-Jamairah Disomimba underscored that this specific project targets women and their children, as they are considered the neediest sector.

Also, this was intentionally launched in March this year, when people all over the country celebrated Women’s Month.

Disomimba shared that behind their new project is their taking into context Maranao culture, which heeds more the ideas of men, and how households struggle when they are led by women who are separated and widowed.

She stressed that this time, they want to give women a chance to express their minds and decide, especially on what business to venture into and how to manage it.

"Women and children are the most vulnerable sectors in society. Maraming konteksto sa Maranao at Islamic culture na nakakaapekto that is why nakaconcentrate kami ngayon sa mga babae (There are a lot of affecting context in Maranao and Islamic Culture that is why we concentrate now on women)," said Disomimba.

The IRW-Philippines area programme manager noted that the ENHANCED Project would run for two years and embrace four components, including livelihood, protection, education, and disaster risk reduction and management.

She said that the goal is to help at least 300 extremely poor women-headed households get more money and assets; protect women, children, and other vulnerable groups in target communities; give more people access to good education; and give more tools to reduce disaster risk and keep an eye on it.

The group also wants to help more people, especially in four villages in Marawi City and the whole town of Sultan Dumalondong in the province of Lanao del Sur.

Disomimba underscored that this project would not last for a lifetime as it follows a certain timeline, however, she was happy to engage with local government units (LGUs) who are doing their share in the project's implementation.

"This is not a forever project, so while nandito pa siya ay ingatan (it here, this must be taken care of). I am also thankful na ang ating (that our) LGUs are very supportive because this is all about collaboration. I think what we are seeing now are more receptive LGUs.

We are hoping na ma-successful ang ating project because nakikita natin ang kanilang receptiveness sa project na ito (that our project will be successful because we can see their receptiveness for this project)," she said. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)