Rallying for a VAW-Free Community

RALLYING FOR A VAW-FREE COMMUNITY DPWH 6 joins the nation in the 18-day campaign to end violence against women

By MA. JOSENIA C. SAMSON

Violence against women and girls is not inevitable. We need urgent action to prevent abuse, and support women and girls who have experienced violence and harassment. This violence has tremendous costs to communities, nations and societies- for public well-being, health and safety and productivity.

The effects of violence can remain with women and children for a lifetime can pass from one generation to another. Studies show that children who have witnessed or been subjected to violence are more likely to become victims or abusers themselves.

As humble contribution, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Office 6 launched the 18- Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) on November 25, 2019. Regional Director Lea N. Delfinado, OICAssistant Regional Director Jose Al V. Fruto and the Division Chiefs led the campaign with the theme “VAW free community starts with me”.

The official VAW flash dance to the song “Isang Bilyong Babae” was commenced as

a symbolic support to heighten awareness among all stakeholders that VAW is of national concern.

The annual 18-Day Campaign elevates the public awareness to positive advocacy and enjoins everyone to pursue the common vision of a community free from violence against women, and highlights what can be done to achieve such.

This event was simultaneously launched in the Regional Office and District Engineering Offices (DEOs). Throughout the duration of the said campaign, various activities were held such as Poster Making Contest, Training on Self-Defense, Film

showing for ”The Owl Butterly” and “In Times of the Butterfly”, foot parade and Tiangge-Tiangge.

The Philippine government has participated in this worldwide campaign to eliminate VAW since 2002. Recognizing that human trafficking is a form of VAW, Presidential Proclamation 1172 series of 2006 extended the national campaign to 18 days, to include December 12, a Historic Date that marked the start of opening for signature in year 2000 of the United Nations (UN) Protocol to prevent, suppress and punish human trafficking, especially with women and children.

▲ Employees mannning the film showing of Owl Butterfly in SM City Iloilo with Engr. Marichu Baldonado, Regional GAD Focal (5th from right).

▲ The booth of the Planning and Design Division that won the Tiangge-Tiangge contest.