"Break the silence. When you witness violence against women and girls, do not sit back. Act." (Ban Ki-Moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations from January 2007 to December 2016)
Upholding women’s rights in the Philippines continues to be one of the social problems that is yet to be resolved. Violence against women (VAW) disregards the fundamental right of women to live in a society that is free from violence. Physical, emotional, or sexual violence inflicted to women leaves a long-term and sometimes irreversible physical, psychological, sexual, and mental consequences.
Due to the increasing numbers of women experiencing the abovementioned violence, an 18-day campaign to end violence against women is being celebrated every year. The theme “VAW-free community starts with Me” was adopted in 2016 by the Inter-Agency Council on Violence Against Women (IACVAWC) and was agreed by the Council to use the same theme from 2016-2021. This campaign aims to reiterate each and everyone’s role and contribution on ending VAW to achieve the common vision of a community free from violence against women and girls.
Data from the World Health Organization shows that about 1 in 3 women (35%) worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual violence from intimate partner or non-partner in their lifetime. While in the Philippines, the 2017 National Demographic Health Survey (NDHS) released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), showed that 1 in 4 Filipino women, aged 15-49, has experienced either physical, emotional, or sexual violence from their husband or partner. VAW is in an upward trend since the onset of pandemic, wherein a total of 18,945 VAW cases have been reported to the PNP Women and Children Protection Center since March 2020 to August 2021.
In line with this, the 2021 18-Day Campaign to End VAW shall spotlight on RA No. 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act which defines and penalizes gender-based sexual harassment in the streets and public spaces, workplace, educational and training institutions, and online.
The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) organized key activities by maximizing online platforms as well as gaining traction in the ground to send the message of importance of safe spaces across many people as possible.
The annual observance of this event is just a reminder that all of us have a responsibility in creating a safer space for everyone. The protection among women and girls must start at home and of course with support from the barangays, government agencies, NGO or private sectors, and academe.
Written by: NO I Sean Frances P. Barredo
