PWC to educate women on violence and abuse

CEBU, Philippines — The Provincial Women's Commission Office said they will soon be holding an information campaign to educate women and children about Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC), among other issues.

Heddah Largo, focal person of the PWC, said that educating women and children about VAWC can be an avenue to eliminate discrimination and violence happening in the country.

One of the objectives of their advocacy is also to educate students about Republic Act 10175 or Anti-Cyber Crime Law, because of the many recent cyber pornography cases and the recent murder of 16-year-old Christine Lee Silawan.

Largo said that they want to start educating the very young, specifically elementary and high school students, since they are the most vulnerable. However, the campaign will also include adult men and women.

The PWC will go to different municipalities conduct these information campaigns.

Largo said that reports of cases involving VAWC are increasing because of victims who are now aware what offices they may approach for help in case of any violence or abuse that may occur.

Meanwhile, during 5th Provincial Women's Month Celebration yesterday at the Capitol Social Hall, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) discussed that women and men are equal, and in fact, women have big role to play in nation building.

PSWDO head Marivic Racho Garces said that the focus of the celebration is to strengthen women’s efforts to improve and track the progress of the implementation of Magna Carta of Women.

"Para g’yud sa kaayohan sa atong mga babae, daghan didto mga provisions nga para g’yud kita ma-address atong mga gender issues," Garces said.

She said that most of women living in rural areas are usually abused by men.

"Kasagaran ang atong mga babae labi na g’yud kadtong mga minus intawn og mga education toa nagpuyo sa kabukiran, magpadaog-daog lang sa ilang mga bana, dili kay bana lang, mga igsuon, uyuan, og amahan," she said.

She said that the government is working hard to eliminate these issues.

The Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710) aims to address discriminations against Filipino women, especially the marginalized. —Tanja Catherine R. Stöckli/BRP (FREEMAN)