November 26, 2019 — Sporting orange shirts in support of the worldwide cause, the gender focal point persons (GFPs) of the UP Manila Center for Women and Gender Studies (CGWS) kicked off the annual campaign to end violence against women and children (eVAWC) in the university.

“The CGWS, together with the GFPs of this university, is fostering respect for human right of every individual regardless of gender preference, expression, and orientation. We are celebrating and joining the cause to end violence against women and children,” CGWS Director Dr. Leilani Nicodemus said during the ceremony.

Guest speaker and Quezon City Councilor Lena Marie Juico imparted her experience on developing a gender-responsive local governance program to address the needs of women and children, one of which is the Quezon City Protection Center (QCPC) for women and LGBTs.

The QCPC is a one-stop shop providing medical, psychological, police, and legal assistance to victims and survivors of gender-based violence and abuse. Located at the Quezon City General Hospital, it features a reception area, a counseling and  psychotherapy room, a medical examination room, an interview and investigation room, a database room, and a rest area to ensure that the needs of the victims are addressed in a gender-responsive and a child-friendly manner.

“It’s heavy in the heart to see children use toys to identify how they were harassed and abused. I invite you to visit QCPC as it is a good model to take a look at, because you will see that puwede naman pala for a local government to provide these services for its constituents.”

Councilor Juico shared that there are girls in some barangays who limit their mobility and choose the long routes because of the presence of perceived, and actually experienced, sexual harassment in public spaces. “They are altering their rights just to avoid the chances of sexual harassment.”

The Angat Bayi awardee authored the Gender and Development Code of Quezon City which paved the way for city ordinances around the country and led to the enactment of Republic Act 11313 or the Safe Spaces and Public Spaces. A young woman who knew her rights used this ordinance to defend herself.

“[She was] walking along Katipunan when two policemen in a car incessantly followed her around while hissing, “Miss, saan ka pupunta?” She filed a case against these policemen and they were suspended from service.”

Another notable legislative contribution of Councilor Juico is the Expanded Solo Parents’ Ordinance that augmented the benefits received by solo parents and their children such as parental leaves; flexible working hours; and more extensive medical, housing, and educational assistance. “I have a five-year-old daughter and I am proud to be a solo-parent raising one. This is one issue that is very intrinsic and very visceral to me because I feel the struggles of a solo-parent.”

Councilor Juico said that despite these efforts, women are still not winning because “women and girls still experience fear in the streets, and sexual harassment and rape still happen.

We are not winning because many still think negatively about the issue of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression (SOGIE). Some employers still think that having a womb or a single mother is equal to being low productivity. Many girls get pregnant at an early age and drop out of school because they lack access to information, protection, and services.”

Dr. Anthony Cordero, UP Manila Community Health and Development Program Director, shared his experiences and insights on the theme during his term as CGWS director. The CGWS held short film and photo contests and an outreach program in partnership with the Ugnayan ng Pahinungod to further promote the campaign.

The seminar on kindness by the Office of Student Affairs for CAS students capped the campaign with a positive message of spreading the culture of understanding and kindness to the young generation.

The 18-Day Campaign to eVAWC is observed annually from November 25 to December 12 as mandated by Proclamation 1172 s. 2006. This is to raise awareness on the problem of violence against women and children and address all forms of gender-based violence as enshrined in the 1987 Constitution.

Anne Marie Alto | Published in UP Manila Healthscape November – December 2019