Providing women with maximum protection from all forms of violence after noticing a rise in domestic violence is the city government’s focus in the celebration of Women’s Month this year

To cap the six-year recurring theme “We Make Change Work for Women”, the 2022 National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC) focused on the sub-theme: Agenda ng Kababaihan, Tungo sa Kaunlaran.

“We want our women to be protected from all forms of abuse under our law; many of our women are already empowered, but there are still women in the barangays who are not,” City Social Welfare and Development Officer Haydee L. Anunciado said in an interview during the Tingog sa Pagsanyog Program.

According to the Anunciado, the government advocates for equal distribution of duties, benefits, and privileges. She emphasized that the government is not implying that women will take the lead and be dominant, but rather that they will be partners with men in nation building.

Asked about the origin of domestic violence, Anunciado explained that throughout history, women have been subjected to a double burden because they have the task of carrying out household chores inside the house, which is actually a man’s job at the same time. According to Anunciado, if a woman is employed and in her home she has to do housework, she will be overworked and eventually get tired, and if men’s sexual needs cannot be met, that’s where that violence comes in because the husband lacks understanding.

In conjunction with the month-long celebration of 2022 Women’s Month, a number of activities have been planned to promote women’s welfare. The 2022 National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC) aims to highlight achievements for women and girls, assess actions toward gender equality, and anticipate steps that must be taken to ensure progress in women’s empowerment.

The “Juana Koronadal Dance Showdown 2022,” in which 17 barangay women organizations competed, was held on March 13 at the South Cotabato Gymnasium. Women demonstrated their one-of-a-kind dancing abilities, which were broadcasted live on the city government’s Facebook page.

“… entertainment that boosts their self-esteem. Women from various barangays and sizes can be seen oozing confidence and proudly displaying the name of their barangay. You’ll see how persistent a woman is if she can focus on one thing,” said Councilor Junette Hurtado, organizer and Chairperson of the Committee on Women, Children and Family of the Sangguniang Panlungsod

Here are the winners of the said competition:

Champion: Concepcion

1st Runner-Up: Sta.Cruz

2nd Runner-Up: General Paulino Santos

3rd Runner-Up: Zone IV

4th Runner-up: Avancenia

“As you can see, our month-long celebration includes entertainment, knowledge, and a livelihood component. “In general, we celebrate women’s month to honor them and elevate them,” Councilor Hurtado said. When asked how she defines an empowered woman, she said that she must be capable and have a source of income in order to avoid economic abuse. She must be at ease in her own skin, regardless of her weight, and she is self-assured enough to carry herself.

Meanwhile, due to the increasing number of cases in the city, the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) promoted a timely response to the threats faced by abused women by holding an “Orientation on the Protocols in Handling VAW Cases” held on March 14.

“We recorded VAW cases in the barangay, and the most common thing we noticed was that some of the women had no work and were completely reliant on their husband’s income. If the husband has his own needs, his financial support for his family will be limited, which causes fights among couples and, if not controlled, can lead to physical abuse,” Anunciado said.

According to the data, there were 66 VAWC cases reported in 2020, with many more unreported. In 2021, there were 81 VAWC cases, the majority of which were custody cases due to a lack of support. According to Anunciado, one of the reasons many women refuse to report violence against them is that they are motivated by fear because they are economically dependent. To address the issue, the CSWDO increased the intensity of their IEC campaign and ensured that victims received proper assistance. In addition, livelihood projects were provided to give them with a source of income.

Protocols, VAW flowcharts, and Family Code Custody were taught to 27 VAW (Violence Against Women) Desk Officers. It also made them aware of the provisions of R.A. E.O. number 9262 No.28, also known as “Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and Children.”

Meanwhile as a culminating activity, members of the “Kalipunan ng Liping Pilipina (KALIPI)” also held their own simple celebration at Rizal Park on March 18. During the event, women were pampered with free haircuts and beauty services.