WOMEN-FRIENDLY SPACES (WFS) FOR LGU BARCELONA

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1. WOMEN-FRIENDLY SPACES (WFS)
I. INTRODUCTION
The Women-Friendly Spaces (WFS) is a vital part of Camp Management and Search and Rescue operations,
designed to ensure protection, support, and empowerment for women and girls during humanitarian crises. It
provides a safe, inclusive environment that upholds women’s rights and promotes gender-sensitive service delivery.
II. GENDER SENSITIVITY AND FUNDAMENTALS
A. Understanding Gender Sensitivity
Gender sensitivity involves recognizing and respecting gender differences while promoting equality and inclusion.
B. Gender Construct
Gender refers to socially constructed roles and behaviors associated with men and women, shaped by culture and
tradition.
C. Sex and Gender (Difference)
●​Sex: Biological attributes that distinguish males and females.
●​Gender: Socially defined roles, behaviors, and responsibilities.
Activity:​
Crossword Puzzle: Find at least six words related to sex and gender (e.g., equality, roles, identity, sensitivity,
female, male).
III. GENDER ROLES
Prescribed Role: Expected behavior assigned by society.​
Subjective Role: How one perceives their own role.​
Enacted Role: Actual performance of the role.
Modern POV: Today’s society embraces equality, with both men and women sharing family, work, and leadership
responsibilities.
Activity:​
Identify examples of prescribed, subjective, and enacted roles in real-life situations.

IV. GENDER STRATIFICATION AND SOGIESC
SOGIESC stands for:
●​Sexual Orientation – emotional or physical attraction
●​Gender Identity – personal sense of self

2. ●​Gender Expression – outward appearance or behavior
●​Sex Characteristics – biological traits
Promotes understanding and respect for gender diversity.
V. GENDER BIAS AND EQUITY
Gender Bias means unfair or unequal treatment based on gender.​
Examples: unequal pay, stereotyping, limited opportunities.
Activity:​
➡ Four Pics, One Word – Identify gender-related terms or issues through visual clues.
VI. GENDER LAWS AND WOMEN’S RIGHTS
Women’s rights are protected under various national laws and international frameworks:
●​RA 9710: Magna Carta of Women
●​RA 9262: Anti-VAWC Act
●​RA 7877: Anti-Sexual Harassment Act
●​RA 11313: Safe Spaces Act
The Philippines, as a UN member, upholds women’s rights as human rights, ensuring equality, safety, and
empowerment.
VII. GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE (GBV)
GBV refers to acts of harm or abuse based on gender, such as physical, sexual, or psychological violence.​
It can occur in workplaces, communities, politics, or homes.
In Emergencies:​
GBV often increases during crises like disasters or pandemics. Limited mobility, confinement, and lack of privacy
result in underreporting of cases.
VIII. ABOUT WOMEN-FRIENDLY SPACES (WFS)
A. Principles and Approaches
●​Rights-Based: Promotes justice and access to protection.
●​Survivor-Centered: Prioritizes dignity and safety.
●​Community-Based: Involves collective participation.
Guiding Principles:
1.​Respect – Uphold dignity and choices of survivors.
2.​Safety – Protect survivors from further harm.
3.​Confidentiality – Protect all shared information.
4.​Non-Discrimination – Ensure fair and equal support.

3. IX. WFS IMPLEMENTATION STAGES
A. Pre-Implementation
●​Coordination with LGUs, DSWD, and GBV Sub-Cluster
●​Advocacy campaigns and partnership building
●​Information dissemination to raise awareness
B. Implementation Phases
Phase Focus Key Activities
Pre-Crisis Preparation Preposition tents, train women leaders
Crisis Emergency Response Welfare services, medical and psychosocial aid
Stabilization Recovery Livelihood and entrepreneurship programs
Return/Recovery Empowerment Gender education and leadership sessions
C. Post-Implementation
●​Continuous monitoring and evaluation
●​Reporting outcomes and impacts in coordination with LGUs and DSWD
X. WFS FACILITATOR’S ROLES AND FUNCTIONS
Main Responsibilities
1.​Profiling – Collecting data on displaced women’s demographics and needs.
2.​Coordination and Planning – Linking with service providers and agencies.
3.​Implementation – Organizing sessions on women’s rights, health, and GBV.
4.​Management and Monitoring – Recording activities, maintaining cleanliness, and attending review
meetings.
5.​Initial GBV/VAWC Support – Providing immediate response and referrals to survivors.
XI. PSYCHOLOGICAL FIRST AID (PFA): DO’s AND DON’Ts
WFS facilitators provide Psychological First Aid (PFA) using the LOOK, LISTEN, LINK approach.
A. PFA – LOOK
DO:
●​Allow the survivor to approach you and express their needs.
●​Ask how you can support their urgent needs.
●​Ensure the survivor feels comfortable in your location.
●​Offer practical support (water, seat, privacy).
●​Let the survivor choose a trusted companion or translator.

4. DON’T:
●​Ignore survivors or dismiss their experiences.
●​Be intrusive, forceful, or overreact.
●​Pressure them to share details.
●​Directly ask if they experienced GBV or assault.
B. PFA – LISTEN
DO:
●​Treat shared information with confidentiality.
●​Manage expectations on confidentiality and your role.
●​Listen more than you speak.
●​Provide comfort and reassure survivors it’s not their fault.
DON’T:
●​Ask probing questions about what happened.
●​Compare their experience to others.
●​Doubt or contradict their statements.
C. PFA – LINK
DO:
●​Respect the survivor’s right to make their own decisions.
●​Share information about available services.
●​Offer communication support if safe.
●​Ask permission before taking action.
DON’T:
●​Exaggerate your abilities or make false promises.
●​Assume what survivors need.
●​Try to “fix” or reconcile situations between GBV victims.
XII. TRAINING MODULES
DSWD Enriched Modular Packages for Women:
1.​Self-Discovery
2.​Gender Sensitivity
3.​Self-Care
4.​Maternal Health
5.​Early Childhood Care
6.​Environmental Sanitation
7.​Leadership
8.​Community Participation
9.​Business Management Skills

5. 10.​Numeracy
XIII. QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAITS OF A WFS FACILITATOR
Qualifications:
●​Female, 18–65 years old
●​Resident of the community
●​Physically, mentally, and emotionally fit
●​Literate and organized
●​Willing to be deployed
Core Traits:
●​Approachable
●​Trustworthy
●​Resourceful
●​Patient
●​Open-Minded
●​Flexible
●​Practices Self-Care





XIV. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND VALUES
Knowledge Skills Values
Gender Sensitivity Communication Empathy
GBV Prevention Coordination Respect
Women’s Rights Documentation Confidentiality
Humanitarian Response Facilitation Integrity
Legal Frameworks Mobilization Non-Discrimination

XV. NEEDED AMENITIES AND FACILITIES FOR WFS EVACUATION CENTER
To ensure safety, comfort, and dignity for women and girls, the WFS evacuation center must include the
following:
A. Structural Amenities

6. 1.​Separate Tent/Area for WFS – Clearly designated and accessible only to women and authorized staff.
2.​Private Counseling Area – For confidential interviews and psychosocial support.
3.​Sleeping Area – With partitions ensuring privacy and safety.
4.​Hygiene Facilities – Separate toilets, bathing areas, and washing facilities for women and girls,
equipped with proper lighting and locks.
5.​Breastfeeding and Child Care Corner – Clean, ventilated area with chairs, mats, and storage.
6.​Lighting and Security – Adequate indoor/outdoor lighting, and presence of female security
personnel.
7.​Information and Feedback Desk – Visible post for WFS-related announcements, hotline numbers,
and feedback collection.
B. Supplies and Equipment
●​Tables, chairs, and mats
●​Lockable cabinets for files and confidential records
●​Hygiene kits (soap, sanitary pads, towels)
●​First-aid kits and emergency supplies
●​Drinking water dispenser
●​Portable electric fan or ventilation system
●​Educational materials and IEC posters
●​Registration and documentation forms
C. Service Support Areas
●​Referral Desk: For GBV, health, and legal assistance.
●​Livelihood/Skills Training Area: Space for workshops and small group sessions.
●​Coordination Corner: For meetings with LGU, DSWD, and partner organizations.
●​Psychosocial Activity Zone: For art therapy, counseling, or peer support groups.
D. Accessibility and Safety Features
●​Clearly marked entrance and exit
●​Accessible pathways for persons with disabilities (PWDs)
●​Fire extinguisher and emergency exit plan
●​Signages in local language
●​Design that ensures privacy, safety, and dignity at all times
XVI. REPORTING TOOLS (AKO NA BAHALA DITO)

XVII. CONCLUSION
The Women-Friendly Spaces (WFS) initiative upholds the protection, dignity, and empowerment of women during
emergencies. Through a gender-sensitive, survivor-centered approach and proper application of PFA (LOOK,
LISTEN, LINK), facilitators ensure that every woman receives compassionate, confidential, and effective support
toward recovery and resilience.