Fighting Violence Against Women

 

Every March, the Philippines celebrates the National Women’s Month. This year’s theme is "Lipunang Patas Sa Bagong Pilipinas: Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, Patutunayan!" As part of this celebration, the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women is observed from November 25 to December 12. This campaign aims to raise awareness about violence against women and to promote gender equality.

The Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children (VAWC) Act of 2004 is a law that protects women and their children from any form of violence and seeks to address the prevalence of violence against women and their children (VAWC) by their intimate partners. 

The Republic Act No. 9262 covers several acts of violence, which are physical, sexual, physiological, and economic abuse. The persons who are protected by R.A. 9262 are wife, former wife, a woman with whom the offender has or had sexual relations, a woman with whom the offender has a common child, and the legitimate or illegitimate child of the woman within or without the family abode. It is an act that served as a foundation and a tool for the 18-day campaign to end violence against women that provides rights and support to women. 

Republic Act 11313, or the Safe Spaces Act, is an act that addresses gender-based harassment in streets, public spaces, workplaces, online platforms, and educational or training institutions. It prohibits acts such as catcalling, stalking, and inappropriate behavior.

Republic Act 8353, or the Anti-Rape Law of 1997. This law defines rape and provides for the punishment of those who commit this crime. It also protects the rights of rape victims, such as the right to privacy and the right to seek medical and psychological help.

The 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women is an important opportunity to raise awareness about VAW and to promote gender equality. Understanding the laws that protect women and children, such as the VAWC Act, RA 9262, and related laws like RA 8353 and RA 11313, is important in protecting women and raising awareness through the 18-Day Campaign, ensuring a safer and more equal society.

 

REFERENCES

Philippine Commission on Women. (n.d.). Republic Acts | Philippine Commission on Women. https://pcw.gov.ph/republic-acts-2/?_page=2
 
Philippine Commission on Women.(n.d.).FAQs RA 9262: the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004. 

https://pcw.gov.ph/faq-republic-act-9262/

Angel Kristine N.( 2024, March 1) 2024 National Women’s Month Celebration | Department of Science and Technology.
https://asti.dost.gov.ph/transparency/gad/2024-national-womens-month-celebration/

St. Clare’s Medical Center, Inc. (2024, January 9). 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women. https://stclaresmedicalcenter.com/18-day-campaign-to-end-violence-against-women-2/

Mercurio, R. (2019, December 17). Gender equality: Philippines out of Top 10. Philstar.com. https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/12/18/1977944/gender-equality-philippines-out-top-10/amp/