DAVAO CITY – The Bangsamoro Women Commission (BWC) launched the 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) on November 25, 2024, at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex (SKCC) in the Bangsamoro Government Center, emphasizing the vital role of men and community leaders in creating a VAW-free Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
During the event, BWC Chairperson Bainon Karon highlighted the importance of engaging men and boys in the fight against violence, alongside community and religious leaders. “By involving men and boys, we can foster a supportive environment for survivors and build safer communities for women and girls,” Karon said in her 6th State of the Bangsamoro Women Address (SoBWA).
Karon acknowledged progress in addressing violence against women and girls but stressed the need for a review of strategies to achieve a VAW-free BARMM. She emphasized the importance of prioritizing the welfare of survivors, ensuring access to essential services, including health, psychosocial support, social protection, legal aid, and justice.
“Survivors’ welfare must come first. They should not suffer further by being forced into situations such as marrying perpetrators,” she added.
The campaign, held annually from November 25 to December 12 under Presidential Proclamation 1172, s. 2006, seeks to raise awareness and promote collaboration to eradicate all forms of violence against women and girls.
Minister Atty. Elijah Dumama-Alba of the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG) highlighted the critical role of the Barangay VAW Desk in addressing gender-based violence. The desk, mandated under Section 408 of the Bangsamoro Local Governance Code (BLGC), handles cases related to Republic Act No. 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004.
“This desk is not just a requirement; it is a declaration of our commitment to empower and protect Bangsamoro women,” Dumama-Alba said. She emphasized that the functionality of the desk is “non-negotiable,” as it serves as a crucial link between government services and the lived realities of women in the region.
Aligning with BARMM’s PrioritiesEfforts to address VAW and promote gender equality align with Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim’s 12th priority agenda, which focuses on inclusive and sustainable development for women, youth, and vulnerable sectors.
The event underscores BARMM’s commitment to upholding women’s rights, as stipulated in the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), which mandates protection from exploitation, abuse, and discrimination while ensuring access to lawful employment and essential services.
The campaign’s launch reflects a broader push to create a safe, inclusive, and empowered Bangsamoro region, ensuring that women and girls are free from violence and supported by responsive and effective community mechanisms.-with a report from BIO
Edith Z Caduaya studied Bachelor of Science in Development Communication at the University of Southern Mindanao.
The chairperson of Mindanao Independent Press Council (MIPC) Inc.
