Lawmaker asks public: Back drive to end VAW

SEN. Ana Theresia «Risa» Hontiveros on Friday appealed for public participation in the campaign to end violence against women, children and vulnerable sectors during the Safe City Caravan and 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women program held at the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) national office in Quezon City.

Hontiveros emphasized the role of everyone in ending the violence women are experiencing in society.

«It's not a small thing that we are joining this campaign. This is not a small thing that we walked together to fight violence,» Hontiveros said during the program.

«This caravan is like a signal to our beloved community here in Quezon City,» the senator added. «We will not tolerate abuse or harassment in any of our public spaces.»

«I hope it's not just us women who will participate. I really hope that more than just our fellow women will join us. More male allies will also be a part of this campaign. Violence against women cannot be addressed if only a few sectors are involved.»

«It is necessary that we stand united for every Filipino woman if we are to have a fighting chance to end VAW once and for all,» she added. «The fight of women is the fight of the nation.»

Safe Spaces Act

Hontiveros is also the principal sponsor and author of the Safe Spaces Act, more commonly known as «Bawal Bastos Law.» The law covers all forms of gender-based sexual harassment (GBSH) committed in public spaces, educational or training institutions, workplaces, as well as online.

The upcoming 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women will begin on Saturday, November 25, and end on December 12. The initiative serves as a global commitment to eradicate gender-based violence, recognizing and honoring the strength of women worldwide.

CHR Chairman Richard Palpal-Latoc said the agency is intensifying its urgent efforts to end all forms of violence against women and children.

«As long as women and girls endure violence, as long as diverse Sogie (sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression) individuals face gender-based violence due to non-conforming to gender norms, and as long as access to justice remains elusive, the Commission on Human Rights stands unwavering