Ways On How You Can Help End Gender-Based Violence

 

• Listen and believe to survivors

 

Call out victim-blaming and the notion that it is women's responsibility to avoid circumstances that are deemed "hazardous" by traditional norms. Survivors of violence are speaking up in greater numbers than ever before, and everyone can help them get justice.

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• Teach and learn from the future generation

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          Start discussions about gender roles, stereotypes, and consents to young people. With this, we can all have a better future by empowering young advocates with information and educating them on gender-based violence and women's rights.

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• Call for responses and services fit for purpose

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          Survivor services are vital assistance. This means that shelters, hotlines, counseling, and other forms of care for survivors of gender-based violence must be available to those in need.

 

• Hold each other accountable

 

          Take a stand against catcalling, improper sexual comments, and sexist jokes by calling them out when you see and hear them. Build a safer environment for everyone and give importance to survivors to ensure that they have the support they needed.

 

• Be knowledgeable about gender-based violence

 

          We must first understand the problem in order to properly address gender-based violence. Relevant data gathering is essential for developing effective preventative measures and providing appropriate support to survivors.

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Philippine Laws That Withstands Gender-Based Discrimination 

 

Magna Carta of Women (MCW) or RA 9710

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          This law is a comprehensive women’s human rights law that seeks to eliminate discrimination against women by recognizing, protecting, fulfilling and promoting the rights of Filipino women, especially those in marginalized sector.

 

Civil Service Commission Memorandum Circular No. 29-2010

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          This memorandum prohibits discrimination against LGBT people applying for civil service examinations. In addition, the CSC’s Revised Policies on Merit and Promotion plan include a provision that inhibits discrimination in the selection of employees based on various criteria including gender. Moreover, Anti-Discrimination Ordinances that prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity have been enacted in nineteen (19) LGUs, namely: Barangays Bagbag, Lagro and Pansol in Quezon City, Angeles City in Pampanga, Antipolo City, Bacolod City in Negros Occidental, Batangas City in Batangas, Candon City in Ilocos Sur, Cebu City, Dagupan City in Pangasinan, Davao City, Mandaue City, Puerto Princesa, Quezon City, Vigan City in Ilocos Sur, Municipality of San Julian in Eastern Samar, Province of Agusan del Norte, Province of Batangas and Province of Cavite.

 

Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995 or RA 7877

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          This act that declares Sexual Harassment unlawful in the Employment, Education or Training Environment, and for Other Purposes, governs sexual harassment in the Philippines. Whoever violates this law will be penalized by imprisonment of not less than one month nor more than six months, or a fine of not less than Php 10,000 nor more than Php 20,000, or both such fine and imprisonment at the discretion of the court.

 

Prohibition on Discrimination Against Women or RA 6725

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          This law forbids discrimination with respect to terms and conditions of employment solely on the basis of sex. For instance, any employer favoring a male employee over a female in terms of promotion, training opportunities, and other benefits solely on account of sex is considered discrimination. Whoever violates this shall be penalized by the law.

 

Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004 or RA 9262

 

          This law prohibits any act or a series of acts against a woman who is his wife, former wife or against a woman with whom the person has or had sexual or dating relationship, or against her child, whether legitimate or illegitimate, within or without family abode, which result in physical, sexual, psychological harm or suffering, or economic abuse including threats of such acts, battery, assault, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty. This Act shall be enforceable anywhere in the Philippines and whoever violates this law shall be punished with imprisonment ranging from one month and one day to 20 years payment of Php100,000 to Php300,000 in damages, mandatory psychological counseling or psychiatric treatment.