PWC, DFA conduct forum on ending VAW

PWC of Davao in partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs-Mindanao conducted a lecture-forum on ending violence against women last December 11, 2018 at the RSM Events Center.

The forum was in observance of the 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women, an annual worldwide campaign that runs from November 25 – December 12. The Philippine government through the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) has committed to the campaign since 2002 and has since then spearheaded information drives and encouraged participation from various institutions nationwide.

With this year’s theme “VAW-free community starts with me”, the forum hosted by AHSCEC project leader Mr. Emi Englis witnessed substantial discussions on the issue led by esteemed guest speakers of different backgrounds and field of work. 

Dr. Marie Anne J. How, secretariat head of the Regional Gender and Development Committee (RGDC) led the lecture on the Magna Carta for Women and the national government’s remaining challenges in addressing the issue of VAW.

Ms. Yoshria Isik Aragat, OIC of the Davao New Moslem Care Center for Women discussed the challenges of promoting a culture of non-violence in the Bangsamoro context, citing crucial factors such as political leaders, cultural sensitivity, tribalism, and close-mindedness.

Succeeding Ms. Aragat on the podium was Ms. Amelyn “Asliyah” M. Limbona, Al.Haj, chair of the Alliance Development Woman Empowerment (ADWE) who expounded on the role of civil society in addressing VAW.

The last speaker was Dr. Lourdesita Sobrevega-Chan of the Ateneo de Davao University Research Council and Philippine Women’s Rights Representative to the ASEAN Commission for the Protection of the Rights of Women and Children. She presented figures on the country’s efforts to eliminate VAW and challenged the academe to integrate the gender lens in educational instruction, being agents with the power to shape the heart and mind of future leaders.

Ms. Lorna B. Mandin, OIC of the Integrated Gender and Development Office shared Davao’s policies to address VAW and extended Mayor Sara Z. Duterte Carpio’s message of congratulations to PWC and DFA. It was followed by the open forum where members of the audience were given a chance to address their questions to the speakers.

Closing remarks were delivered by Mr. Robert O. Ferrer, Jr., acting assistant secretary of DFA Mindanao.

A pressing issue in the society, more is needed to totally eliminate violence against women. To know how you can be part of change, visit https://www.pcw.gov.ph/VAWfreePH2018

RCM