Empowering Women, Ending Violence: The Fight for Equality and Safety

             Empowering Women, Ending Violence: The Fight for Equality and Safety

    Violence Against Women (VAW) continues to plague societies globally, with the Philippines being no exception. The alarming findings from the 2022 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) underline this reality: nearly 1 in 5 Filipino women have endured some form of emotional, physical, or sexual violence. This crisis necessitates urgent action, advocacy, and education, which are at the heart of the yearly 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women. Anchored on Republic Act No. 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children (VAWC) Act of 2004, this campaign highlights the imperative of collective efforts to protect women and uphold their rights.

The Anti-VAWC Act of 2004 serves as a cornerstone in the fight against gender-based violence. It recognizes various forms of abuse—physical, emotional, economic, and sexual—against women and their children, particularly within intimate relationships. Beyond legal protection, RA 9262 empowers women through support services, such as temporary shelter, legal assistance, and psychological counseling. Its yearly spotlight during the 18-day Campaign to End VAW reminds us of the need for vigilance and sustained advocacy to foster safer environments for women and children.

One of the most progressive laws addressing gender-based violence is the Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313). Enacted in 2019, this legislation extends protection from harassment to both public and private spaces. It defines harassment to include catcalling, wolf-whistling, misogynistic slurs, and cyber-harassment, underscoring the need to ensure women’s safety in modern contexts. By holding perpetrators accountable regardless of where harassment occurs, the Safe Spaces Act challenges societal norms that trivialize women's experiences and rights. This law not only empowers victims but also serves as a wake-up call for communities to foster respectful behavior.

Rape remains one of the most heinous crimes faced by women. The Anti-Rape Law of 1997, amended in 2022 by RA 11648, reflects the evolution of legal responses to this crime. RA 11648 raised the age of sexual consent from 12 to 16 years, addressing long-standing criticisms about insufficient protection for minors. By recognizing consent as the cornerstone of lawful sexual relations, the law advocates for the bodily autonomy and dignity of all individuals, particularly the youth. It also provides stricter penalties for offenders, signaling zero tolerance for sexual violence.

Ending violence against women is not merely a legal or social obligation—it is a moral imperative. The Anti-VAWC Act, Safe Spaces Act, and Anti-Rape Law collectively contribute to the protection and empowerment of women, ensuring a future where they can thrive free from fear and harm. Through campaigns like the 18-day observance, we reaffirm our commitment to these ideals, urging every individual to take part in dismantling the culture of violence and fostering equality. This National Women’s Month, let us celebrate not just the achievements of women but also the strides made in safeguarding their rights, striving for a truly inclusive society.

Sources : Philippine Statistics Authority. (2023). Philippine Statistics Authority | Republic of the Philippines. Psa.gov.ph. https://psa.gov.ph/

‌Amnesty International Philippines. (n.d.). Amnesty Philippines. https://www.amnesty.org.ph/

‌(2024). Gabrielawomensparty.net. https://ww25.gabrielawomensparty.net/?subid1=20241209-2241-05d0-9047-f89d5db6cb41

‌R.A. 11313: Safe Spaces Act. (2024, July 14). Labor Law PH Library. https://library.laborlaw.ph/r-a-11313-safe-spaces-act/

‌Respicio, H. (2025, January 16). RESPICIO & CO. RESPICIO & CO. https://www.respicio.ph/bar/2025/criminal-law/special-penal-laws/an-act-providing-for-stronger-protection-against

‌Philippines Demographic and Health Survey 2022 | GHDx. (2022). Healthdata.org. https://ghdx.healthdata.org/record/philippines-demographic-and-health-survey-2022

‌REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11648 - AN ACT PROMOTING FOR STRONGER PROTECTION AGAINST RAPE AND SEXUAL EXPLOITATION AND ABUSE, INCREASING THE AGE FOR DETERMINING THE COMMISSION OF STATUTORY RAPE, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE ACT NO. 3815, AS AMENDED, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS “THE REVISED PENAL CODE,” REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8353, ALSO KNOWN AS “THE ANTI-RAPE LAW OF 1997,” AND REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7610, AS AMENDED, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE “SPECIAL PROTECTION OF CHILDREN AGAINST ABUSE, EXPLOITATION AND DISCRIMINATION ACT” - Supreme Court E-Library. (2022). Judiciary.gov.ph. https://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocs/2/94255?utm_

‌Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA. (2023, June 7). National Demographic and Health Survey 2022 - Philippines. Worldbank.org. https://microdata.worldbank.org/index.php/catalog/5846?utm_ 

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