KATROPA Empowers Men to Combat Gender-Based Violence
The City Population Office (CityPopcom) has strengthened the implementation of the KAlalakihang Tapat sa Responsibilidad at Obligasyon sa PAmilya (KATROPA) Movement in the city’s 27 barangays, with the goal of empowering men and advancing their role in promoting maternal, child, and responsible parenting while reducing gender-based violence.
The KATROPA program, led by City Population Officer Janet Demonteverde, aims to empower and encourage men to actively perform their role as family heads and take the lead in family management. The program’s goal is to strengthen family relationships and create a supportive environment by emphasizing the value of responsible fatherhood, commitment, financial security, and spirituality in managing a home.
Also, it aims to provide fathers with firsthand information that will help them in their roles by covering important and relevant parenting topics such as Me as a Man, Me as a Father, Strengthening Marital Relationships, MNCHN/ Family Planning, and Protecting My Partner from Gender-Based Violence (GBV). The aim is to highlight the importance of fathers in family structures.
Meanwhile, Mr. Rio Rivera, one of the resource persons, said in an interview that the program was already strengthened in the barangays of Zone I, New Pangasinan, Topland, and Paraiso during the second quarter of the year. The program’s ultimate goal is to form a KATROPA federation, but first it must be reorganized in all 27 barangays, with elected officers from each. Following the election of officers, the CityPopcom hopes to hold a KATROPA congress.
“Pillars of home” aptly describes the importance of a father figure in maintaining family balance and well-being. Facts reveal that emerging current realities and anticipated future trends have a significant impact on fathers’ roles in families and children’s lives today.
The need for such programs is evident from the preliminary findings of the 2017 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). The survey revealed that 26% of ever-married women aged 15-49 have experienced physical, sexual, or emotional violence by their husband or partner. Emotional violence was reported by 20% of women, physical violence by 14%, and sexual violence by 5%.The prevalence of violence against women varies across regions, with the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao reporting the lowest rate of 7%, compared to Caraga with a rate of 52%. However, all forms of violence generally decline with increasing household wealth.
To address the issue of violence against women, the Philippine government enacted Republic Act No. 9262, also known as the “Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004.” This law classifies violence against women as a public crime and penalizes all forms of abuse and violence within the family and intimate relationships.
Meanwhile, members of the KATROPA were empowered and challenged to effect the change they desired. Following a series of lectures and forums, they are expected to live up to the values they learned, including taking responsibility for their own health, sexual and reproductive behavior, and social and family roles.
Every activity in the program is designed to shape and introduce participants to a new perspective on their role, responsibilities, and accountability while combating the pressures of fatherhood caused by massive role redefining between generations.
Furthermore, the effectiveness of this program will be determined by how the barangay responds; encouraging fathers in their barangay to participate, attend, and become active members is crucial.