The 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women is beyond an annual activity-it's a defiant cry against an everyday injustice that casts shadows upon the lives of innumerable women in the Philippines and around the world. Through this critical campaign, the blog post will attempt to deconstruct the meaning behind the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004, or Republic Act No. 9262. We look at two other highly critical VAW-related legislation laws further, specifically the Safe Spaces Act or Republic Act No. 11313, and the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022 or Republic Act No. 11862. Where this law is likely to make some impact in terms of the implementation of the legislation and where more improvement needs to come.
A landmark legislation, however, the VAWC Act of 2004 stands still under siege:. It courageously attempts to give fullest protection by defining different kinds of violence – physical, sexual, psychological, and economic – and outlining what rights victims have. It is not effective, however, because of persistent challenges: underreporting due to fear of retaliation or societal stigma; inadequate resources for victim support services; and a judicial system that often moves too slowly, leaving victims vulnerable for extended periods. This law acknowledges the fact that VAW is insidiously evil in the sense that, in addition to being physically violent, it is a form of control and domination. It locates its weakness on the part that the gaps left for legal protection persist together with their practical application. Regarding this, the 18-Day Campaign must both find grounds to celebrate the Act but simultaneously call for further accountability and resource allocation.
The VAWC Act is one of the important cornerstones of the 18-Day Campaign. This law sets a legal framework that empowers victims of violence to find justice and the perpetrators to answer for their deeds. However, this framework is too lenient and must be toughened up. The voice of the survivors should amplify demands for stricter enforcement, easier access to justice, and support systems that help women break cycles of violence.
The Safe Spaces Act, also famously known as the "Bawal Bastos" law, is a bold move in disassembling the culture of impunity surrounding gender-based sexual harassment. Different types of harassment ranging from catcalling to online abuse are now defined under this Act with a bid for making public spaces, workplaces, and educational institutions safer. However, these are weakened by weak enforcements and general cultural acceptance of such conducts. While the legal system provides for a legal redress; systemic nature of the harassment calls for multifaceted approach: public awareness campaigns and challenging attitudinal change; law enforcement and educational institution comprehensive training; and also a strong reporting and investigation system of complaints.
The contribution of the Safe Spaces Act to the 18-Day Campaign is a focus on prevention. No more reaction to acts of violence, but the establishing of environments that are gender-responsive and safe as well as respectful of women in all genders. The 18-Day Campaign must actively campaign for the principles, report sexual harassments, support victims, and create cultures of zero tolerance for all forms of sexual harassment.
The Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022 manifests the evolving awareness of the complexity of human trafficking, which is interconnected with VAW. It increases the punishment, enhances protection for the victims, and increases international cooperation. However, the battle against trafficking is going to be successful only if its roots, which are poverty, inequality, and lack of opportunities, are constantly worked upon. The Act would thus be effective in preventing trafficking, rescuing victims, and rehabilitating survivors only if there are coordinated efforts from governments, NGOs, and international organizations. The 18-Day Campaign should emphasize the tie between trafficking and VAW. Both issues require comprehensive response approaches that address both aspects simultaneously. These include improvement in border control, improvement of victim identification and service provision, and demand fighting feeding this nefarious crime.
Conclusion: More Than Awareness – Towards Action
The 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women should be more than a campaign over awareness.
It must be a call to action toward better implementation of existing laws, more resources for the victims, and a change in attitude of the society. The importance of legal frameworks, such as those found in the VAWC Act, Safe Spaces Act, and Expanded Anti-Trafficking Act, can only be fully met if commitment, implementation, and the resolve to end violence against women in all its manifestations is unrelenting. The battle has just started, but the campaign tells everyone that the fight for justice and equality continues on.
Reference
-http://www.blogger.com
-http://opiniojuris.org/2023/05/10/symposium-on-marketing-global-justice-managing-contaminated-resistance-tactics-some-notes-on-mediatization-the-strategy-of-rupture-and-jacques-verges/
-https://www.potential.com/articles/why-corporates-should-launch-women-empowerment-programs/
-https://cesie.org/en/news/stop-violence-against-women-our-initiatives/
It's important that we know our right, by this post, I see multiple ways to stop violence towards women and protection's woman. You did great!
ReplyDeleteVery well said, my friend. In the present time, we cant deny that the cycle of violence against women never stop, and after reading your article i was motivated and inspired to spread awareness and influence the youth to be an advocate about women protection.
ReplyDelete