The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has joined the government’s campaign to end violence against women nationwide.
Through its Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point System, the agency conducted an 18-day campaign from Nov. 25 and until Dec. 12 with a theme “United for a VAW-free Philippines.”
“The campaign aims to highlight the gains and milestones achieved in the efforts to prevent VAW in the country. It also seeks to address and assess the implementation and strengthening of VAW-related laws in the country,” Secretary Conrado Estrella III said.
He is the chairperson of the GAD steering committee.
“The DAR is joining this nationwide campaign to gain the support of the general public to make a personal commitment to end violence against women and children,” he cited.
The campaign specifically aims to promote awareness on the forms of violence women and young girls experience, provide information on laws protecting women and girls, and feature VAW-related services that people can access and avail.
The agency conducted a series of talks on the forms of violence women and children experience, and an orientation on the laws protecting women and young girls.
Undersecretary for Office of Mindanao Amihilda Sangcopan said violence against women has intensified, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, citing community lockdowns increased the violence against women, and the stringent stay-at-home orders have trapped victims with their abusers.
She encouraged women to come out, be brave and speak out if they are violated, noting the laws that can protect them and informed them where to go to ask for help if they are afraid to talk to their families.
“As long as women stay silent, abuse and violence against women will continue to happen,” he said.
The 18-day campaign to end VAW supports the Philippine government’s goal of protecting the human rights of women and girls by upholding its commitment to address all forms of gender-based violence as stipulated in the 1987 Constitution.
By virtue of Republic Act 10398 or the ACT declaring November 25 of every year as the National Consciousness Day for the elimination of VAW.