Philippine Commission on Women Marks 18-Day to End Violence Against Women
During an event to kick off the 18-Day to end Violence Against Women, the Philippine Commission on Women launched a documentary of stories of survivors.
Last November 25, the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) along with several non-government women’s organizations commemorated the 18-Day to end Violence Against Women. It recently ended last December 12. Part of the celebration was the Orange Exhibit, which documented the passing of several important milestones that led to stricter enforcement of laws against violence against women.
PCW also launched the VAW Survivor Stories. This is a documentary of women who rose above the abuses they went through from their abusers and attackers.
The Orange Exhibit
One of the highlights of the celebration was the launch of the Orange Exhibit. It’s a look back at how advocates have lobbied for the fight against violence against women since 2002. This is by joining the “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.”
Elizabeth Angsioco, National Chairperson of the Democratic Socialist Women of the Philippines (DSWP), said that the exhibit showed how feminists and advocates have done in fighting for women’s issues in the country. “In terms of laws, our experience has taught us that we need to be relentless. We need to be strong, to be sharp, to be brave. And we need to be many. We need to be many, before one law that addresses our needs and promotes our rights is eventually passed.”
The milestones mentioned included laws such as the passing of the Anti-VAWC Act in 2004, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, the law against child marriage, the Safe Spaces Act, and the Magna Carta for Women. These have been used as a basis for many other existing laws to fight against violence against women and children.
Stories of Survivors
Also launched was a series of documentaries called the VAW Stories of Survivors. These stories chronicle the lives of women, who experienced abuse and violence. These survivors shared their experiences and how they were able to overcome the barrier and trauma they suffered from their attackers.
Two of the survivors were Amber and Juana. Amber was sexually abused by her father. She finally told her mother what her dad was doing and thanks to authorities, the perpetrator was indicted. Amber said thanks to the laws, she was able to fight back and is now able to go to school.
“Ang batas po talaga ang pinaka-pinanghahawakan ko po bilang babae. Mas lalong-lalo na bilang nabiktima. Especially sa mga women’s desk, hindi po sila pumapayag hangga’t wala pong nangyayari na maganda at wala pong nangyayari para makuha ko po yung hustisya ko,” she shared.
Juana, on the other hand, was human trafficked by her mother. Her other siblings were sold as well. Moreover, she experienced sexual abuse from relatives. However, her life changed when her English teacher took her to study. She has since graduated with a degree in Social Work, which she has been using in rescuing victims of abuse.
“Lagi ko itong sinasabi, magpasalamat ka kasi binenta ka. Bakit? Kasi kung hindi ka siguro binenta, hindi ka social worker ngayon. Ako si Juana, na ngayon ay naka-aklas sa ganoong kalupitan sa lipunan. Mas masasabi ko na iyong kurso ko ay malaking bahagi para makatulong doon sa mga kababaihan din lalo na iyong mga kababaihan na hindi talaga kayang pag-laban ang kanilang karapatan bilang babae,” Juana said.
Other activities to help end Violence Against Women
Aside from the mentioned activities, the 18-Day-To-End Violence Against Women event by the PCW also had a VAW Social experiment. This hopes to serve as an eye-opener for the families of the survivors and their respective communities.
The Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) helped conduct the experiment to test the audience’s knowledge of the existing laws in the fight against violence against women.
The campaign is part of the Philippine government’s goal to protect the human rights of women and children by addressing all types of gender-based violence.
Read more stories on important issues:
Sexual Assault Awareness Month: Building Safe Online Spaces Together
The Fight To End Online Sexual Exploitation Against Children Starts Here!
