The UP Asian Center, in partnership with UP CIFAL Philippines, will be hosting the public forum, “Leading Safe Spaces: The Role of Good Governance in Ending Violence Against Women” on 6 December 2023, 1:00 PM (GMT+8), at the GT-Toyota Asian Cultural Center Auditorium, University of the Philippines, Diliman. The event is free and open to the public.
ABOUT THE FORUM
According to the Global Gender Gap Report, the Philippines ranked 2nd in East Asia and the Pacific region and 16th globally in terms of gender equality in 2023 (World Economic Forum, 2022). Citing the same report, it ranked 17th in terms of economic participation and opportunity, 32nd in terms of educational attainment, 86th in terms of health and survival, and 30th in terms of political empowerment out of 146 countries surveyed. True to its reputation, the country has established various laws that address gender inequality and violence against women. The impressive global ranking and the established laws should be more than enough reasons to celebrate. Yet, why is gender equality not felt, practiced, and lived by Filipino women in the truest sense of the word? Despite establishing various laws to prevent Violence Against Women (VAW), the Philippines is one of the countries that remains unsafe for gender minorities primarily due to economic, political, and cultural barriers preventing survivors from seeking help and attaining justice (Valdez et al., 2022).
As one of the responses to the grave issue of VAW, Philippines, by the Proclamation 1172 s. 2006, annually dedicated November 25 to December 12 for the 18-Day Campaign to End VAW, an extended version of the globally adapted 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence. This campaign aligns with what the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 of gender equality aims to achieve, particularly on target 5.2 to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.
In support of this campaign, the UP-CIFAL Philippines plans to conduct a forum entitled Leading Safe Spaces: The Role of Good Governance in Ending Violence Against Women. This activity intends to discuss how leaders and authorities can craft effective and inclusive policies to address the issues of gender-based violence. Alongside the forum, a fair will feature organizations and programs that take part in addressing VAW in the country and cater to its survivors. The fair will serve as an avenue for them to share their missions and programs and for the participants to be involved in their activities.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
MA. ROSALYN MESINA
Country Programme Coordinator
UN Women Philippines
HIMAYA TAMAYO
Executive Director, Bayi, Inc.
SANDRA MONTANO
Consultant,
Quezon City Protection Center for Victims of Gender-Based Violence and Abuse
SYNTHESIS AND REFLECTIONS FOR POLICY PROSPECTS
PROF. AURORA JAVANTE-DE DIOS
Senior Project Director
Miriam College - Women and Gender Institute
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