BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — “Violence against women is not a women’s issue, it is a human right issue. We must reclaim our voices and refuse to be silent any longer. It is time for society to listen, it is time for our society to understand and act.”
Baguio City Councilor Lilia Fariñas emphasized this during the regional kick off of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence against Women (VAW) here recently.
Fariñas, representing Mayor Benjamin Magalong, underlined that women need to speak up against all forms of violence and create a society where their voices are heard and respected. She also assured their support to strong women who have demonstrated resilience in the face of violence.
City Councilor Lilia Fariñas talks about women rights during the regional kick off program of the 18-day campaign to end VAW in Baguio City on Saturday, November 25, 2023.
“We, as women, are not defined by the violence inflicted upon us but by our resilience, strength, and the most effective change to women who have survived. Your strength is an inspiration to those still enduring. We stand with you in solidarity. Together, let us provide the narrative and we define the future of generations to come,” Fariñas said.
She added that men should be allies in this endeavor because their voice is a powerful force that can shape the narrative challenge, the toxic norms that perpetuate harm. By standing up against gender inequality and advocating for women’s rights, men can help create lasting change and foster a culture of respect and equality for all genders.
Through this, we can build a world where women can thrive without the shadows of violence darkening their paths, Fariñas added.
Representatives from various line agencies, local government units, the academe, and civil society organizations united in a parade and program that kicked off the regional observance of the 18-Day Campaign to End VAW. This annual advocacy campaign from November 25 to December 12 aims to raise awareness, take action to end violence, and protect the rights of women and children.
This event serves as a reminder and a show of support for the government’s advocacy to eradicate all forms of violence against women and children, promoting a culture of respect and equality.
Department of Health-Cordillera OIC Assistant Regional Director Dr. Janice Bugtong thanked all the participants for their collective efforts and called for action to combat violence against women.
“We acknowledge all your effort to continue fighting this fight against violence, this social evil could be gender-based violence against women and also against children. Violence against those who cannot protect themselves and those who have no voice. If we stand united, we will act faster, better and with greater effect,” she stated.
Meanwhile, Regional Gender and Development Committee chairperson Department of Social Welfare and Development -CAR Regional Director Leo Quintilla led the signing of pledge against gender violence, committing to speak out against violence and sexism while educating others on how to contribute to ending gender violence. This pledge emphasizes the collective responsibility to build a safe and inclusive society.
RGADC Chairperson Dir. Leo Quintilla leads the signing of pledge against gender violence during the regional kick off program of the 18-day campaign to end VAW in Baguio City on Saturday, November 25, 2023.
The theme for this year, “United for a VAW-free Philippines,” aligns with the United Nations UNiTE by 2030 to End VAW Campaign, emphasizing the impact of combining individual efforts for a collaborative and united thrust toward a VAW-free Philippines.
Victims of violence may seek help at the VAW desk in their barangays or municipalities, or they may report at the nearest police station. These are the primary avenues where victims can report incidents and receive necessary assistance. (DEG-PIA CAR with Regel Ferrer and Hanna Honorio, SLU Interns)
