By Aira Nicole Delostrico
Capiz State University (CapSU) Main Campus, in its pursuit and commitment to promoting a VAW-free Philippines, participated in the observance of the 18-Day Violence Against Women (VAW) campaign spearheaded by the Office of Gender and Development (GAD) of CapSU Main, held at the university’s auditorium on December 1, 2023.
The 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women is an advocacy campaign observed annually from November 25 to December 12, as mandated by Proclamation 1172 s. 2006. The program supports the Philippine government’s goal of protecting the human rights of women and girls by upholding its commitment to address gender-based violence as enshrined in the 1987 Constitution.
Police Chief Master Sergeant Roxanne Estrella Ayayo led the morning session discussing RA 9710, or the Magna Carta of Women, a comprehensive law that seeks to eliminate discrimination against women, in which she highlighted the different forms of sexual harassment, child pornography, and the grave and light offenses punishable by law, and further discussed RA 9778 and RA 7877.
Moreover, talk 2 during the afternoon session discussed RA 8353, or the Anti-Rape Law, and RA 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children.
Atty. Benjie B. Doce led the session as he shed light on some of the issues women face, such as abuse and violence, and the functions of the law in protecting the dignity, human rights, and safety of women and children, as well as addressing the prevalence of the aforementioned cases in the Philippines.
Bearing the theme “United for a VAW-free Philippines through the symposium on Republic Acts (RA) 9778, RA 7877, RA 8353, and RA 9262,” the said symposium was a call for collective action and shared dedication in the fight to eliminate gender-based violence.