Advocates vs. violence take drive to streets

CEBU, Philippines - More than 50 men from the Department of Social Welfare and Development-7, who formed themselves into Men Oppose to Violence Against Women Everywhere (MOVE), pledged to fight violence against women and children and launched their campaign by distributing hundred of stickers and flyers on violence against women to public commuters.

They were joined by members of the Regional Sub-Committee on Gender and Development, Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and Children, NGO Teams on War Against Trafficking, the Cebu City government and other partner agencies.

The groups were divided into two teams, one proceeded to the North Bus Terminal in Mandaue City while another group stationed at the South Bus Terminal in Cebu City.

Violence against women (VAW) is defined as “any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in physical, sexual or mental harm or suffering to women, including threats such as acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or private life.”

Dr. Hermes Ibon, president of Empowerment and Reaffirmation of Paternal Abilities Training (ERPAT) who shared their best practices said VAW continues to be a major social and public health problem affecting thousands of women not only in the Philippines but in the whole world.

Most of the studies indicate that the men are often/usual perpetrators of VAW. There is a need to involve men in movements to end violence against women, focusing on their role and responsibilities and emphasize that they are part of the solution.

Through the initiative of the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women (NCRFW), the MOVE was organized with male members coming from various organizations, including the government, private sector, academe and non-government groups.This is an organization of men who dedicated themselves to be actively involved in eliminating all forms of violence or discrimination against women especially VAW.

One of the lead agency which responds to the needs and welfare of disadvantaged women is the DSWD, thus the first MOVE chapter in DSWD-7 based in Central Visayas was formed.

The movement involved all male employees of the Department with the dedication to enhance their knowledge, attitude and skills on issues of violence against women and the anti-VAW laws at the same time elect officers and come up with an action plan.— /WAB (FREEMAN)