18-day campaign to end violence against women (VAW)

Today’s column is our participation of the 18-day campaign to end violence against women which starts this Wednesday, November 25 and ends on December 12. This used to end on December 10 the day of the United Nations Universal Declaration on Human Rights. It now closes on December 12, the International Day Against Trafficking in Persons.

The Philippine Government through Proclamation 1172 s. 2006 declared 25 November to 12 December as the 18–Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women. In 2013 it issued Republic Act 1039 8 which declared November 25 of each year as National Consciousness Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Children.

The Philippine Commission on Women views this as: “a fitting time for duty-bearers and advocates to reflect and take stock of milestones and accomplishments in the last five years (gains), continue looking forward to our vision of a VAW-free country, and identify concrete actionable steps towards reaching that vision (ways forward).’’ This year’s theme is:  “End VAW Now! It’s our

Duty!:  Gains and Ways Forward.”  All levels “are encouraged to highlight these topics in their respective activities, and make their reports available online.” So that “we will be able to recognize the efforts of the duty-bearers in fulfilling mandates and inform the public that programs and services are in place and available for them. Identifying our ways forward, on the other hand, will help us keep on track, set our goals and accountabilities.”

They urge government agencies, nongovernment organizations, sectoral groups, private and civic organizations “to conduct their own activities in line with this year’s campaign theme and focus, invite other groups and individuals to join.” Hanging streamers with the theme is also encouraged.

We are also reminded:  “Live a life free from VAW. Freedom from VAW starts with knowing and respecting each person’s rights. You can help end VAW by doing the following: Never commit VAW.  Never condone VAW. Never remain silent about VAW.  If you are, or you know someone who is a victim of VAW: Seek help from sympathetic family members and friends. Report and seek the help of the barangay: social worker, police, National Bureau of Investigation, or public attorney’s office nearest you.

We are all called upon to:  “Spread the word. Freedom from VAW is everyone’s concern. Be a firm advocate and partner in ending VAW. Know more about VAW and share the information with everyone. Support efforts within the school, workplace, or community to eliminate VAW and achieve our vision of VAW-free community.”

The Legal Alternatives for Women Center has started the campaign last Tuesday in “Mata sa Kababayn-an” at CCTN. First, they invited Atty. Liza Jorda of the Office of the Regional State Prosecutor VII and Ms. Rose Salazar, DSWD  focal person for the Program on Women and Family, members of the Inter-Agency Council on Anti-Trafficking in Persons. The IACAT now includes all of  VAW. They discussed how concerted efforts of the government: police, judiciary, local government units together with civil society groups have helped to make the process of conviction of arrested trafficking suspects more speedy. Ms. Susan Salazar invited everyone to the march with something orange—the color of vitality—on Wednesday, November 25. It will start early in the morning near the Department of Health Region VII office.

More discussion of the “gains” came with the narratives of the President of GAD Focal Persons Emma Colina of barangay Mabolo and Virginia Burlas of barangay San Roque describing how they assist victims of violence in their localities. They realize how risky their work is but continue clarifying the process and calmly extending help even accompanying victims to the Pink Room.

Ms. Annabelle Gilla-Maglasang Chairperson of UP Cebu Office of Anti-Sexual Harassment and Vice-Chairperson of the GAD Committee informed us that the opening of the school’s campaign  will be held in the Oblation Square. On the same day, the students of Ms. Palme Pe-Tudtud will open a Photo and Art Exhibit: Man and Woman Against VAW. On December 2 there will be a Forum on HIV Awareness and Anti-Child Pornography and Anti-trafficking. On International Human Rights Day, UP High will hold its annual Quiz Bowl.

SIDLAK Region VII Training Team led by Dr. Rhodora Masilang-Bucoy had just recently facilitated the Gender Sensitivity Training and Gender Mainstreaming  of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA). The lectures and discussions which included the Magna Carta of Women, the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Law, and the Anti-Sexual Harassment Law stimulated the participants to make plans and personal commitments to oppose all forms of violence against women.