The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga, in coordination with the Regional Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Trafficking-Violence Against Women and Their Children (RIACAT-VAWC), is one with the nation in commemorating the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW).
This year’s participation of DSWD and RIACAT-VAWC, together with its different partner-agencies, started with a thanksgiving mass at St. Joseph Cathedral, Butuan City on November 25, 2021. Followed by a motorcade; bannering the orange icon that represents hope and a future free from violence against women and children.
RIACAT-VAWC Chairperson, OIC-Regional Director, Ramel F. Jamen, showed his utmost support to the said campaign by taking part in the kick-off activity (Kapehan sa SM) of this year’s celebration held at SM Butuan City.
“Part sa atong kampanya, atong pahinomduman ang tanan nga dili lang ang gobyerno ang adunay responsibilidad sa pag-undang niining VAW. Matag-usa kanato, adunay responsibilidad. Nanawagan ko nga magtinabangay kita aron mamahimong VAW-FREE ang tibook Caraga.” RD Jamen said.
In hopes of ending VAWC, RD Jamen reiterated that RIACAT-VAWC’s mission is to protect the rights of every woman, children and members of the LGBTQIA+; raise awareness by conducting forum that highlights the common goal of totally ending VAWC.
Furthermore, members of RIACAT-VAWC, comprised of different government agencies concerned with the implementation of the Anti-VAWC law, including the DSWD Protective Services Division Chief, Jessie Catherine B. Aranas, pledged in the Safe Spaces Act, today at the Commission on Human Rights, Government Center, Tiniwisan, Butuan City.
This year’s campaign seeks to raise awareness of the Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313 or SSA), An Act Defining Gender-Based Sexual Harassment in Streets, Public Spaces, Online, Workplaces, and Educational or Training Institutions, Providing Protective Measures and Prescribing Penalties Therefore.
“VAW-Free Community Starts With Me”
(Source: DSWD Caraga Facebook page)