The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) joins other government agencies and non-government organizations in the celebration of the 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) from November 25 to December 12, spearheaded by Philippine Commission on Women (PCW).
With the theme “End VAW Now! It’s our Duty!,” the campaign aims to increase support and commitment of duty holders at the national and local levels in eliminating violence against women, sustain and improve policies, laws and mechanisms addressing VAW, and forge partnerships among stakeholders in addressing VAW.
The campaign will kick-off with “Walk to End VAW” on November 24(Sunday) at 5:00 am starting from the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) to T.F. Valencia Circle, Rizal Park, Manila.
The walk seeks to raise public awareness on issues affecting women and to promote women’s rights and freedom.
After the activity, the participants are expected to imprint their hands on the commitment wall using red paint as a symbol of putting a stop to VAW.
To further show its support to the cause, the Department is encouraging all male employees of the Department to join the group Men Opposed to Violence Against Women Everywhere (MOVE).
MOVE, which is an all-male group at the DSWD Central Office with chapters at the Field offices, is active in pushing for programs and policies that will end VAW.
“Violence against women happens every day in homes, in the workplace and in schools. Men play a critical role in ensuring that women are not abused,” DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman said.
Likewise, the Secretary said that DSWD continues to conduct Family Development Sessions (FDS) for Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries to strengthen family relations which can deter abuse.
FDS is a regular gathering of parent-beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilya. Topics discussed during FDS include effective parenting, husband and wife relationships, child development, laws affecting the Filipino family, gender and development and home management.
Since 2002, the DSWD has been joining this activity against gender-based violence. # # # November 21, 2013 (DSWD-Social Marketing Service)
