With this year’s theme as “Juana, Ang Tatag Mo Ay Tatag Natin Sa Pagbangon at Pagsulong, the Women’s Month celebration was highlighted with the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s emphasis on Republic Act 9262, otherwise known as the “Anti-Violence against Women and their Children.”

During a press conference held yesterday, March 20, 2014, in Cagayan de Oro City, the DSWD revealed that women and their children are usually the victims of violence in the country. Considered as the vulnerable group, women and their children have been taken captive on various forms of physical battery, psychological and emotional abuse, and economic deprivation in the domestic setting.

Republic Act 9262, however, condemns such acts of violence that is slowly creeping into the dignity of women and their children. The law highlights that the State “values the dignity of women and children and guarantees full respect for human rights” and that it “recognizes the need to protect the family and its members particularly women and children, from violence and threats to their personal safety and security.”

To address violence committed against women and children, the DSWD has been conducting policy advocacies to all local government units, partner agencies, and the law enforcement all throughout Northern Mindanao and to enable them to establish strong and effective mechanisms and processes in protecting women and their children when they become victims of violence.

According to Atty. Araceli F. Solamillo, Regional Director of DSWD, there is still a great challenge in informing the public about the law, to make sure that our women and children know their rights and are empowered to report cases of violence.

“It is everybody’s responsibility, may they be from the government or not, to report cases of violence against women and their children,” Solamillo says. “We all have a role to play in order to protect them and uphold their rights as human beings.”

Written by Charmaine Tadlas, DSWD