Violence against women (VAW) happens everywhere—at home, school, workplace and now increasingly in online spaces. Around the world, VAW has been a widespread human rights violation but abuses remain unreported due to the shame and stigma surrounding it, keeping perpetrators unpunished.

Today, the Commission on Human Rights joins the country in commemorating the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women with the global theme, “Orange the World: Generation Equality Stands Against Rape”, placing rape at the centre of the inquiry.

The United Nations defines VAW as “any act of gender-based violence that results in, or likely to result in, physical, sexual, or mental harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or private life.”

VAW, including rape, is deeply rooted in patriarchal beliefs and unequal treatment of women in our society. Aside from enduring the violent act, women are further subjected to victim-blaming, sexual objectification, and trivialisation of the assault. Denial of such crimes against women is the ultimate attack to women’s dignity. It clearly illustrates the widespread impunity on sexual violence and other forms of VAW.

That is why it is important to ensure that women and girls know their rights and are empowered to exercise them, and understand that they have full control of their bodies and sexualities. It is equally vital to educate everyone, especially men and boys, about their responsibility to respect the rights of others. Likewise, it is every individual’s duty to create a safe environment for all women especially the victims of abuses, for them to report the crimes committed against them. The most vulnerable victims of gender–based violence should have access to support services such as safe shelters, trauma support and counselling.

The Commision is committed to keep working tirelessly with government and civil society partners to strengthen legal frameworks and institutions in addressing the root causes of violence, supporting women’s education and development, establish mechanisms and services for survivors of violence, and to continuously advocate for women empowerment.

The Philippines has very good legislations on the protection of women and girls but we lack in the strong enforcement of the law. The Commission reminds the government to uphold its local and international commitments in addressing all forms of gender-based violence as enshrined in the 1987 Constitution and international human rights conventions.

Ending violence against women and girls is not a short-term struggle. It requires sustained efforts from everyone in the community. The best tribute that we could give to survivors and advocates of women’s human rights is to continue working on the gains of those who have come before us and to highlight the opportunities where we can contribute in to ensure the total elimination of VAW in the country and the world. ###