Schools urged to join campaign vs violence against women

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) is urging schools to join the 18-day campaign to end violence against women this month.

In a department memorandum signed on Oct. 26, DepEd enjoined schools to plan activities for the campaign from Nov. 25 to Dec. 12.

“The campaign is an opportune time for the (DepEd) to further the MATATAG agenda of inclusive education through the implementation of Gender and Development programs, projects and activities in line with the department’s mandate of providing gender-responsive basic education,” DepEd Undersecretary Michael Poa wrote in the memorandum.

Among the activities schools may accomplish are publicity through hanging streamers or uploading advocacy materials on schools’ social media and websites, disseminating information and education materials and participating in calls to end violence against women.

DepEd also enjoined regional and field offices to coordinate with local government units in holding regional or local activities.

Under Presidential Proclamation 1172 of 2006, the 18-day campaign to end violence against women is observed annually from Nov. 25 to Dec. 12.

The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), the spearheading agency of the annual campaign, said the 18-day campaign aims to raise awareness of the problem of violence and eliminate all forms of violence against women and young girls.

In the Philippines, the National Demographic Health Survey 2017 released by the Philippine Statistics Authority revealed that one in four Filipino women aged 15-49 experienced physical, emotional or sexual violence from their husband or partner.

“Violence against women and girls is not just a major public health problem but also a grave violation of human rights. It extremely manifests gender inequity, targeting women and girls because of their subordinate status in society… Violence and the threats of violence can be experienced by every woman of any age, skin color, gender identity, ethnicity, religion, disabilities, economic and social status,” the PCW said.