MARAWI CITY,
Lanao del Sur, Nov. 26 (PIA) --- The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao
(ARMM) is intensifying its campaign to mainstream Gender and Development (GAD)
and eventually eliminate Violence against Women (VAW).
The region,
through its Women Commission (RCBW-ARMM), kicked-off the annual “18-day
campaign to end incidences of violence against women” on November 25, in
Cotabato City.
The
campaign, based on a national policy, is being held from November 25 to
December 12 aimed at raising awareness among all stakeholders that
violence against women is a public issue and of national concern. It supports
the government’s goal to protect the human rights of women and its commitment
to address all forms of violence against women.
Abderson
Antao, RCBW-ARMM planning chief, said part of the campaign is pushing for the
institutionalization of the Gender and Development focal point system in each
agency in the region. Such system, he said, is the mechanism to implement and
mainstream Gender and Development in the offices.
“Gender
and Development is very important. If implemented thoroughly, it will protect
and promote the welfare of women. Both men and women have a role in social
development and in peace building especially in conflict-affected areas like
the ARMM,” said Antao.
Antao
said they are urging all agencies to have an established Gender and Development
focal point system. Currently, only the region’s Education department,
Department of Agrarian Reform, and Department of Environment and Natural
Resources are the only agencies with an established focal point system.
Simultaneously, the region launched the Implementing Rules
and Regulations of the ARMM Gender and Development Code. The code is the
regional translation of Republic Act 9710, or the Magna Carta for Women and was
signed into law on May 20, 2013.
“ARMM is demographically and culturally distinct. The code is
an instrument in addressing gender issues and advancing the status of women in
the region,” said Antao. This year’s campaign bears the theme “End VAW Now!
It’s our duty! Gains and ways forward.” (BPI/PIA-10)
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