QUEZON CITY – Oxfam Pilipinas won the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) “Trailblazer Partnership” award for its extensive work in preventing child, early, and forced marriages and promoting the Prohibition of Child Marriage Law.

Jeanette Kindipan-Dulawan, Oxfam Pilipinas Gender Justice Portfolio Manager, received the award at DSWD’s Social Technology Expo on December 18, 2024.

Oxfam Pilipinas worked closely with DSWD and partners in pushing for the effective and inclusive enforcement of Republic Act No. 11596 or An Act Prohibiting the Practice of Child Marriage in the Philippines. It also collaborated with DSWD and partners in conducting a series of orientations and multisector consultations during the development of the law’s implementing rules and regulations (IRR).

The organization also supported the government-led model-building of a Child-Protection Systems Strengthening for Child Early and Forced Marriage and Unions (CEFMU).

Oxfam Pilipinas Gender Justice Portfolio Manager Jeanette Kindipan-Dulawan received the plaque, which marks the third recognition given to the organization in 2024.

Kindipan-Dulawan highlighted that collaboration is crucial to the success of the CEFMU campaign. “This reflects the collective efforts and unwavering commitment of our partners in the Bridging the Information Gap on the Prohibition of Child Marriage Law in the Philippines and its IRR Project, with the support of Oxfam Hong Kong.”

“Our partnership with the government and multistakeholder supporters can help create a world where girls are empowered to thrive, have access to endless opportunities, and live free from all forms of violence,” she added.

The award marks the third recognition given to Oxfam Pilipinas in 2024. The organization recently received the United Nations Asia-Pacific Care Champion and ASEAN Women Leaders’ Summit Care Economy Recognition awards.

Oxfam Pilipinas is a rights-based, feminist organization advancing an equal and just future for all. For over 30 years, it has worked closely with peoples’ movements and communities to fight poverty and respond to the needs of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged. It is part of the Oxfam confederation, which is present in over 79 countries.