Violence against women

Violence Against Women (VAW) and Girls

  • VAW is both a significant public health issue and a severe violation of human rights.

  • It is a manifestation of gender inequity, specifically targeting women and girls due to their subordinate societal statusVio.

Definition

  • The UN defines VAW as:

    • "Any act of gender-based violence that results in, or likely to result in, physical, sexual, or mental harm or suffering to women."

    • Includes threats, coercion, or deprivation of liberty, occurring in both public and private life.

Scope of the Issue

  • Global Context:

    • Approximately 1 in 3 women (35%) worldwide experience physical and/or sexual violence from an intimate partner or non-partner in their lifetime (WHO).

  • Philippine Context:

    • National Demographic Health Survey (2017) indicates that 1 in 4 Filipino women (aged 15-49) experienced violence from their husbands or partners.

Response and Advocacy Measures

  • 18-Day Campaign to End VAW:

    • An annual advocacy campaign observed from November 25 to December 12, mandated by Proclamation 1172 s. 2006.

  • Notable Actions:

    • 2002: Call to action for the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act (passed 2003).

    • 2003: Advocated for the Anti-VAWC Act (passed 2004).

    • 2004: Launched the Gender Justice Awards in partnership with UPCWSFI and UNDP.

    • 2005: Released the Anti-VAW song "Babae, Bumangon Ka."

    • 2006: Promoted male advocacy networks against VAW (MOVE).

    • 2006: Produced violence prevention songs like "Kumilos mga Kalalakihan."

    • 2007: Issued proclamations enhancing the campaign, including anti-trafficking initiatives and laws.

Advocacy Developments Over the Years

  • 2008: Held the first Men Opposed to VAW Everywhere (MOVE) Congress.

  • 2009-2010: Promoted Magna Carta of Women and established VAW desks in Barangays.

  • 2011: Launched "Blow the Whistle on VAW" initiative to symbolize unity against VAW.

  • 2012: RA 10398 signed; November 25 declared National Consciousness Day for the Elimination of VAW.

  • 2013-2014: Engaged lawmakers and initiated campaigns to raise awareness through videos and public involvement.

  • 2015: Focus on educational engagement in the academe with campaigns like "CineJuana Film, Ako Para sa Bata."

18-Day Campaign Objectives and Goals

  • The campaign aims to support the Philippine government in protecting women's and girls' human rights by addressing gender-based violence.

  • Based on RA 10398, the campaign requires government agencies to raise public awareness about VAW.

  • The International Context:

    • The 16-day action against gender-based violence supports a global initiative originating from the first Women's Leadership Institute in 1991.

  • Campaign Timeline:

    • November 25: International Day to Eliminate VAW

    • December 10: International Human Rights Day, linking VAW to human rights violations.

  • The Philippine Government joined this global campaign in 2002 to advocate for laws and institutional mechanisms against VAW.

  • The campaign was extended in 2006 by Proclamation 1172, including December 12 to highlight the UN Protocol against Trafficking in Persons.

  • The UNiTE to End VAW Campaign was launched in 2008, aiming for a world free from violence against women and girls, needing political commitment and resources.