Against Violence: Promoting Women's Dignity and Rights

 Against Violence: Promoting Women's Dignity and Rights

Violence against women is a deep wound that afflicts not only the individual victim but the entire society. The annual 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women is an important initiative aimed at strengthening public awareness and working together to combat this problem. This included the promulgation of important laws such as the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act (R.A. 9262) which became the pillar of protection for women from abuse.

The R.A. 9262, enacted in 2004, provides protection against physical, emotional, and sexual violence within the home or relationship. Under this law, women and children are recognized as victims of violence, which often occurs in intimate relationships. Through the VAWC Act, there was a legal mechanism to file complaints, seek protection, and hold perpetrators of abuse accountable. Commemorating the campaign is an important way to remind everyone of the importance of this law.

Apart from the VAWC Act, it is also important to discuss other laws that aim to give rights and protection to women. One of them is R.A. 8353 or Anti-Rape Law of 1997, which clarifies the definition of rape as a crime against the dignity and well-being of a person. In this law, the definition of rape is further extended to show that it is not just a matter of physical harm but a profound violation of human rights. Its amendment by R.A. 11648 in 2022 raised the age of sexual consent from 12 to 16 years old, an important step to better protect youth against abuse.

The role of R.A is also important. 11313 or Safe Spaces Act, enacted in 2019, to combat gender-based harassment in public and private spaces. This law aims to eliminate the fear of women in public places by punishing those who make catcalling, sexist remarks, and other types of sexual harassment. In a country like the Philippines, where such incidents are often ignored, it is a great achievement to have this law to empower women and ensure their safety in all aspects of life.

The annual campaign is not only a reminder of the importance of these laws, but also a challenge to society to ensure their implementation. Despite existing laws, the number of cases of violence against women remains high, according to the 2022 NDHS. It is clear that more intensified education, community campaigns, and support for victims are needed to completely alleviate this problem.

Women are pillars of society, and their dignity and rights must be recognized and respected. The existence of laws such as R.A. 9262, R.A. 8353, and R.A. 11313 is proof that the state is serious about protecting them. However, the active participation of everyone—from the government, the private sector, to ordinary citizens—is important to ensure their effective implementation.

In the end, the fight against violence against women is not only a matter of women, but of the whole society. Recognizing their right is a step towards a more just, safe, and equal society for all. Through continuous campaigning and support for laws that protect women, we uphold the dignity and honor of every Filipina.

SOURCE:

https://www.raket.ph/encar_lansang/products/vawc-posters

https://www.tsu.edu.ph/research-extension/offices/gender-and-development/annual-observance-of-the-18-day-campaign-to-end-vaw/

https://www.scribd.com/presentation/646397687/VAWC-PAUL

https://advocati-online.com/article/applicability-of-anti-vawc-to-lesbian-relationships