Women advocates join OBR revolution

CEBU, Philippines - Hundreds of women advocates and students gathered at the Capitol grounds yesterday for the One Billion Rising Revolution against violence against women and children.

Participants to the event led by Gabriela were urged to elect leaders in the coming elections who would actively campaign to end all forms of violence against women and children.

Gabriela, in a statement, said that this year’s commemoration of the International Women’s Month is a resonating call for every Filipino, particularly those vying for public position, to promote and protect the rights of women and children from all forms of violence and abuses.

“Because violence and abuse should never be ignored, should never keep us silent and should never immobilize us,” the statement reads.

Dr. Rhodora Bucoy, coordinator of Sidlak Gender Resource Center-7, said that abuses against women and children should end.

Professor Henry Espiritu, coordinator of UP Cebu Gender and Development Office, said  that OBR is an answer to global call to rise up creatively and pro-actively in ending the culture of violence, cruelty and impunity against women, children and the Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Transgenders (LGBT) across the globe.

Leny Ocaciones, chairperson of Gabriela Cebu, the lead convenor of the OBR Cebu Campaign, said the incidence of violence against women and children have been increasing drastically.

OBR Philippines began a call in 2013 as part of the worldwide global movement to end violence against women and children. The event yesterday was graced by singer Monique Wilson.  (FREEMAN)