Anchored on the National Women's Month Celebration and the 2024 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (THEMATIC)

Anchored on the National Women's Month Celebration and the 2024 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women

Violence against women is a profound social issue that cuts across borders, cultures, and societies. It is said that at least 1 in 3 women worldwide has experienced some form of violence in her lifetime. In the Philippines, in the 2022 National Demographic and Health Survey by the Philippine Statistics Authority, a rather worrying figure has been uncovered: nearly 1 in 5 women report having experienced emotional, physical, or sexual violence at the hands of her current or most recent husband or intimate partner. These demand different kinds of actions and movements, such as the National Women's Month Celebration, in coordination with the campaigns that will be done within the 2024 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women.

Under the Republic Act No. 9262, known as the Anti-Violence Agaisnt Women AndTheir Children Act of 2004, is a comprehensive legislative instrument for combating violence against women and children in the country. The said law refers to all genres of abuse: physical, sexual, psychological, and economic violence. The mechanisms of protection and support for the victims thereof ensure the proper legal, medical, and psychologic assistance.The significance of this in the annual celebration of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women is indeed something that cannot be overemphasized. Being a law that not only provides legal processes for the protection of women and children but also serves as a tool and symbol of having a country committed to the elimination of VAW, the annual campaign draws people's attention to the message through this piece of legislation and heightens the awareness of mobilizing communities into action to eliminate violence. 

There is also the legislation of R.A. 8353 known as the Anti-Rape Law of 1997, redefine rape and expands it to its meaning in the Philippines. This law recognized rape as a crime against persons, not a crime against chastity. It includes marital rape. This landmark law shifted the focus from an infringement on personal autonomy and dignity to consent. Elongating the definition of rape, this Republic Act reaches out to a greater number of more victims exercising their right to justice; simultaneously, it acknowledges rape may happen under the roof of marriage due to better protection of the women.

The Safe Spaces Act or the Republic Act No.11313 was enacted in 2019 with regard to gender-based sexual harassment within public and private places, workplaces, and educational institutions and on online platforms. It includes catcalling, wolf-whistling, and other forms of sexual harassment. What this law does is make more inclusive the safer spaces that women and other vulnerable groups experience as being created. They make a culture of respect and equality through accountability. In that sense, the Safe Spaces Act addresses harassment in all settings to ensure women can move freely and safely in all aspects of their lives.

R.A. 11648, (An Act Amending R.A. 8353 or The Anti-Rape Law of 1997) in 2022. This amendment of the Anti-Rape Law of 1997 lowers the age of sexual consent to 16 from the previous age of 12 years. This would secure minors better against sexual exploitation and abuse. R.A. 11648 increases the age of sexual consent, therefore strengthening legal protection for the children against sexual predators. In the initial consideration, it shows a respect to the vulnerability that even the younger sectors possess so they are protected from exploitation and abuse.

R.A. 11862 or Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022. An amendment to the original Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, this law imposes further stiffened penalties for traffickers, better protection and support to its victims, and more potent ways to prevent such a crime. R.A. 11862 provides full-bodied measures against this crime in contemplating what was and is the changing nature of human trafficking. It ensures that victims receive adequate support and perpetrators are dealt with severely, thus bolstering the fight against human trafficking.

R.A. 9208 or Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003. The R.A. 9208 prohibited human trafficking and provided measures for protective and rehabilitative actions towards victims. The law involved a different type of trafficking, whether sexual, labor, or organ trafficking. Among the pioneering Philippine laws that can be said to have effectively opposed human trafficking, the R.A. 9208 is one of them. It has served as the basis upon which other follow-up laws and programs were created in order to combat trafficking and help its victims.

R.A  10364 or Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2013 it is the legal framework in the Philippines to combat human trafficking by broadening the definition of trafficking crimes, including forced labor, sexual exploitation, and online abuse. It also enhances victim protection, increases penalties for traffickers, and promotes international cooperation to address trafficking more effectively, ensuring a safer environment for vulnerable individuals.strengthens the Philippines' fight against human trafficking by broadening the definition of trafficking to include forced labor, child exploitation, and online abuse. It enhances victim protection through immediate assistance, legal support, and social reintegration, while imposing harsher penalties for offenders, particularly those trafficking minors. The law also emphasizes international cooperation and preventive measures, aiming to create a safer environment for vulnerable individuals and effectively combat human trafficking on both domestic and global scales.

The National Women's Month Celebration and the 2024 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women reminds us the need to continue advocating for gender equality and women's rights. These  highlights the ongoing challenges women face, including violence and discrimination, while also celebrating their strength and resilience. By raising about this, we can foster a culture of respect and empowerment for women. 

Reference:

< http://www.kikobenitez.com/news/cong-kiko-benitez-joins-observance-of-18-day-campaign-to-end-vawc/ >

< https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/republic-act-9262-anti-vawc-act/44997868 >

< https://www.facebook.com/gentripulis/posts/infographics-on-ra-8353-the-anti-rape-law-of-1997caviteppopnprddanaojrpnpkakampi/819059125488143/?_rdc=1& >

< https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/republic-act-no-11313-safe-spaces-act-bawal-bastos-lawpptx/256141440 >

 < https://www.savethechildren.org.ph/our-work/our-stories/story/statement-on-the-2022-national-election/ >

< https://indiacsr.in/draft-anti-trafficking-bill-upholds-survivors-access-to-their-rights/ >

< https://www.slideserve.com/violet-pope/ra-9208#google_vignette >

< https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkBa_6ILc88 >

< https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/things-you-can-do-for-womens-rights-in-2017_uk_58875845e4b0f94bb305036c >