Violence against women (VAW) and girls is one of the countryโs most pervasive social problems. The United Nations define VAW as โany act of gender-based violence that results in, or likely to result in, physical, sexual, or mental harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or private life.โ This is where we may begin to see that VAW is a grave violation of basic human rights. The gravity of this problem is becoming more and more apparent and yet, violence rates continue to escalate with each passing day. Global estimates by the World Health Organization indicate 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. This is an alarming rate considering the fact that gender-based violence is a clear barrier to womenโs empowerment and overall security. So long as women are subjugated, society continues to walk backwards.
This has prompted government agencies to employ measures and mechanisms to not only raise awareness on the problem but alsoโand more importantly, eradicate of all forms of violence against women and girls. One of which is the 18-Day Campaign to end VAW observed annually from November 25 to December 12 as mandated by Proclamation 1172 s. 2006. This campaign supports the Philippine governmentโs goal of protecting the human rights of women and girls by upholding its commitment to address all forms of gender-based violence as enshrined in the 1987 Constitution.
We need to acknowledge that dismantling the patriarchal society is not a fight for and by women alone. It is quite literally everyoneโs responsibility as a social cancer that affects all of us. This is precisely why we must all be engaged in combating VAW.
The CPSPA Student Council is in solidarity with our fellow students and advocates in putting an end to any violence against women. We call for initiatives to galvanize individuals, organizations, and communities in taking actions to prevent violence before they even start. It is time to amplify the voices of the abused and ensure #SafeSpacesForAll!
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