Empow-HER-ment

It was a regular day when I overheard my parents fighting, my dad physically abusing my mother. My mother is strong, but she couldn't stand up for herself. I was young, I knew married couples have arguments. What I didn't know was, physical abuse wasn't right. I knew for a fact that my mother wasn't the only one experiencing this. In fact, one out of three women globally experience violence in accordance with the World Health Organization. I've always thought about how my mother was bound by fear and silenced by societal judgement. Yet, it raised hope. A possibility of rising above the shadows of abuse. 

Empowering women goes beyond providing them with opportunities. Hence, it is about giving them a voice, ensuring their safety and acknowledging their worth in society. This was the reason why the Anti Violence Against Women and Children or Anti-VAWC act of 2004 or Republic Act No. 9262 was established by the Philippine government. 

In this law, it stated that the term Violence Against Children" refers to any act or a series of acts committed by an individual against a woman including psychological harm or suffering, or economic abuse like threats of such acts like battery, assault, and arbitrary deprivation of liberty. These acts, can be punished by arrest up or be fined in the amount of PHP 100,000 but not more than PHP 300,000.

In the past year, I have attended a seminar about Violence Against Women and Children during the 2023 Women's Month Celebration. In this seminar, the speakers from the Office of the Provincial Social Development have tackled and introduced the rights of women and children against violence.

First, the Safe Spaces Act of 2018. It is the policy that guarantees full respect for equal rights for human rights. Offenses will be punished with a fine of PHP 3,000 up to PHP 10,000. This law applies to both real life and cyber crimes. 

Another significant law discussed was the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act (RA 7610). This legislation underscores the importance of safeguarding the rights of children by addressing all forms of abuse and ensuring a protective environment for their growth and development.

The concept of Battered Woman Syndrome (BWS), as recognized under RA 9262, was also explored. This psychological condition affects women who have endured prolonged abuse, often leaving them feeling helpless and trapped. The law acknowledges their struggles, particularly in cases where they act in self-defense or retaliation against their abusers, offering them a chance for legal protection and understanding.

To ensure victims have access to immediate assistance, the seminar introduced the Bantay Bata Helpline 163. Operating from 7 AM to 7 PM daily, the helpline provides free and confidential support for those in need.

The seminar was a powerful reminder of the resilience of women and the importance of community in fostering empowerment. It shed light on the vital role of legislation like RA 9262 and RA 7610 in protecting women and children while emphasizing the need for awareness and collective action to end the cycle of abuse.

Empowering women starts with recognizing their struggles, amplifying their voices, and standing in solidarity with them as they reclaim their power. It is about transforming silence into resilience and ensuring that no woman has to endure abuse alone. As women, let us empow-HER each and one another.

References

Pangalangan, E. A. (2007). Responses to victims of domestic violence in the Philippines.     https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094512764382, 313–334.                                     https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203944936-24

World Health Organization. (n.d.). Devastatingly pervasive: 1 in 3 women globally experience violence. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news/item/09-03-2021-devastatingly-pervasive-1-in-3-women-globally-experience-violence

Pangalangan, E. A. (2007). Responses to victims of domestic violence in the Philippines. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094512764382, 313–334. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203944936-24

Republic Act No. 9262. (n.d.). https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2004/ra_9262_2004.html 

Republic Act No. 11313. (n.d.). https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2019/ra_11313_2019.html 

Philippine Commission on Women. (n.d.). Violence Against Women Helplines. Retrieved from