Kids have important role in ending violence against women

By: Carlson B. Alelis

The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) said this year’s observance of the 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) will emphasize the role of children in this effort.

Nharleen Santos-Millar, chief Gender and Development specialist of the PCW’s Technical Services Regional Coordination Division, said, “Please know your rights, be aware and help fight violence against women, especially the young boys in our community.”

Millar said that it is important forchildrento know about gender and development, as well as the dangers of violence against women.

Female children, on the other hand, should know their rights, Millar added.

As for local government units, she said they should have gender-responsive services.

“We should let the community know of our services so that, hand-in-hand, we can eradicate and end violence against women,” she said.

The 18-day campaign started on November 25 and will run until December 12.

In Iloilo, the UGSAD Regional Gender Resource Center will be holding a walk from the Iloilo River Esplanade to the University of the Philippines Visayas city campus, where a public forum will be held for the observance.

Member-agencies of the said network are also urged to incorporate orange in their clothes, offices, and social media photos, among others.

The color indicates support for the cause to end VAW.

The PCW, in coordination with Inter-Agency Council on Violence Against Women and Children (IACVAWC), is tasked to lead, monitor, and evaluate the annual nationwide observance.

Adopting the theme “VAW-free community starts with Me” for the year 2016 to 2021, the campaign emphasizes everyone’s commitment and contributions on ending VAW, and presents an ideal picture of a VAW-free community, thus, inspiring the general public to make a personal commitment to end violence against women and children. (PIA)