EDITORIAL - White ribbons against violence

In the politically charged atmosphere, you may have been confused by the white ribbons displayed by some men in the past days. No, they’re not making a political statement, but are pledging that they will never commit violence against women. Neither will they condone it or remain silent about it. Starting last Nov. 25, dubbed by the United Nations as the International Day of Action for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, men around the globe have displayed the white ribbons. Nov. 25 also marked the start of the UN-sponsored 16 Days of Activism to eliminate gender-based violence.

The Philippines has had a woman president and a woman is the incumbent Vice President. Women are active in all aspects of national life. Education has empowered the Filipina, but there are millions of women who remain poor and are deprived of access to proper education. These are the women most vulnerable to gender-related violence.

Violence against women includes not only domestic violence, rape and sexual harassment but also occupational discrimination, prostitution, the sale of women for marriage and even media’s portrayal of women as sex objects. The World Health Organization reported that three out of five women in the Philippines are battered. Data gathered by the Department of Social Welfare and Development showed that in the first six months of the year, there were 4,468 reports of women in especially difficult circumstances. Nearly half of the cases involved physical abuse, maltreatment and battery while 14 percent involved sexual abuse.

The 30-year Philippine Plan for Gender-Responsive Development also takes note of institutional violence. This is perpetrated against women by the State through neglect of basic social services, political discrimination and anti-women legislation.

Efforts to promote women’s rights have had significant strides in this country. Laws have been passed against sexual harassment, classifying rape as a crime against persons, and providing protection and assistance for rape victims. There is a pending bill to stop trafficking in Filipino women. Special desks for crimes against women and children have also been set up in police precincts. Still, there is a long way to go in eliminating violence against women in this country. A commitment from men to respect women is a good start.