The Office of MP Atty. Maisara Dandamun-Latiph is one with the Bangsamoro Women Commission (BWC) in the observance of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) that is observed annually from November 26 to December 12 as mandated by Proclamation 1172 s. 2006 to raise awareness among all stakeholders that Violence Against Women (VAW) is a public issue of national concern.
In support of this worldwide campaign in the Philippines and in the Bangsamoro region, I am still encouraging everyone to support and fight for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (VAW) all over the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), to raise greater public awareness on the issues faced by women and girls, and to push for measures that will protect them from any form of harassment or discrimination. It is important to give emphasis to this campaign by having functional mechanisms that are operated by competent and capable duty-bearers with a sense of responsibility and accountability in addressing Violence Against Women (VAW) under the theme “VAW-free Community Starts with Me.”This 2020 Campaign is considered another turning point in VAW advocacy as it comes at a time when the country is reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic which has aggravated underlying gender issues and affected marginalized and vulnerable sectors, including women and girls. This year’s campaign is a fitting time for duty-bearers and advocates to reflect. The reality is that even now, women and girls may be experiencing different forms of VAW while locked down in their homes.
Freedom from VAW is everyone’s concern. Be a firm advocate and partner in ending Violence Against Women (VAW) and support efforts whether they be within your community, schools, or workplace to eliminate VAW and achieve our vision of “VAW-free Community Starts with Me”. This vision can only be realized through meaningful actions and ongoing commitments within ourselves. Stakeholders at the national, regional and local level are encouraged to highlight this campaign and make their efforts available through their official communication channels. This year’s campaign emphasizes positive advocacy messaging by giving emphasis to everyone’s commitment and contributions in ending VAW and our collaborative pursuit of our common vision of a VAW-free Community.
The Office of MP Latiph is one in celebrating this 18-Day Campaign with the Bangsamoro Women Commission, the Bangsamoro Region, and the whole Nation. All of us have been showing our support to the various activities promoting the end of VAW. We held a webinar-campaign for the elimination of VAWC, with the theme “VAW-free Community Starts with Me” with invited speakers who discussed legal remedies for the protection of women and children under the topic Empowering Bangsamoro Women to Protect them against Violence. The Office has also instituted an intense social media campaign to raise awareness on VAW issues, such as where to look for aid and report violations of their rights. The Office has also participated in various webinars and other awareness raising campaigns such as the Babaenihan sa BARMM – Prevention and Response to Gender-Based Violence Against Women in the time of COVID-19.
We celebrate the end of this 18-day campaign, but I implore you to continue the advocacy in your respective communities. As our theme for this year’s campaign states, the change we need for a VAW-free world starts within our communities. It starts with everyone of us. It starts with you.
What we have learned is that women have to be involved in peace and security issues in order for them to fully eradicate VAW. It is not enough that we protect them – we must empower them. We have seen how women have brokered, resolved, and deescalated instances of violence. This may be because women tend to be the hearts of communities – our mothers, and daughters, and sisters. In order for us to resolve conflict issues on a national or international scale, we must first ensure peace and security in our communities, and it is through the eradication of VAW that we can do so, for there can be no peace nor security when one half of our population still feel the harmful effects of gender-based violence. There are many ways to continue this advocacy even beyond this 18-day campaign – whether that is through legislation such as the work my Office is doing, through the enhancement of the measures of protection, through the academe and raising awareness, through capacity-building and training, through mediation, or even by simply being aware that the issue exists and doing the best that you can to lessen micro-aggressions that eventually lead to full-blown violence. Whether a woman or man, do not simply stand by when you see your fellow sister facing physical, sexual or psychological violence, and/or economic abuse.
I pray to Almighty God that all women and girls who suffer from domestic violence, trafficking and other forms of violence are granted strength to stand up against all forms of violence. May they have the courage to break their silence, find their protection, healing, justice, and empowerment. May their cause never be forgotten and may they find support in their allies. May everything we do be done with love and respect for our fellow humans regardless of age, sex, class, culture, ethnicity, or ability and may we all be bestowed with the capacity to promote, protect and fulfill the rights of women and girls. Spread the word and God bless!
