Members of the Regional Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Trafficking—Violence Against Women and Their Children (RIACAT-VAWC) recently distributed Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials at Agora and Gaisano Terminals in Cagayan de Oro City.

The activity aimed to raise public awareness of key laws protecting women and children, including Republic Act (RA) 11313 (Safe Spaces Act), RA 9262 (Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004), RA 11596 (Anti-Child Marriage Law), and RA 11210 (105-Day Expanded Maternity Leave Law).

Participating agencies included the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 10 as the lead agency of the RIACAT-VAWC, the Regional Juvenile Justice and Welfare Committee 10, the Philippine Commission on Women-Northern Mindanao, the Department of Justice Region 10, and the Philippine National Police Regional Office 10.

They engaged travelers, enforcers, drivers, consumers, and mall-goers by explaining the provisions and importance of these laws.

In addition to the distribution drive, RIACAT-VAWC representatives joined the Talakayan sa PIA, a public forum hosted by the Philippine Information Agency 10, to further amplify their advocacy.

The activities are part of the ongoing 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women, which will run until December 12, 2024.

Upcoming events include orientations on the highlighted laws for drivers, barkers, schools, and members of Men Opposed to Violence Everywhere (MOVE).

Through these initiatives, RIACAT-VAWC underscores its commitment to creating a safer, more equitable society for women and children. ###