ABANTE BABAE

    This 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women is an important reminder of the laws that help protect women and children in our country, the Philippines. Laws like the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) Act of 2004 (R.A. 9262), the Anti-Rape Law of 1997 (R.A. 8353), and the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995 (R.A. 7877) all play important roles in preventing violence and supporting survivors of those bad treatments that they’ve experienced.

    The VAWC Act gives protection to women and children from abuse, giving them a legal way out of harmful situations and the right to fight for themselves. It’s comforting to know that we can run to the law for help, especially when it feels like there’s nowhere else to go. The Anti-Rape Law made it clear that rape is about violating a person’s consent and not just physical force. For young women like me, this is reassuring because it means that our voices and our rights matter and are taken care of. The Anti-Sexual Harassment Act protects women like me in workplaces and schools, making sure that we can study or work without being harassed. It’s an approved law that reminds us that our space, whether be it in schools or on the street, should be respected by everyone. The Safe Spaces Act (R.A. 11313) that was passed in 2019, is significantly important for young women like me. It addresses street harassment, like catcalling in public spaces. With this law, we don’t have to fear harassment when we walk outside, knowing that the law backs us up when our rights are violated.

    As a 15-year-old daughter, these laws give me hope and assurance. They show that there are systems in place to protect us and our rights. But there's still work to be done because more education and awareness is needed. These laws aren’t enough if we don’t educate and spread awareness to the people around us about the importance of giving respect to women. It’s up to us, the next generation, to ensure these laws are respected and that women are safe everywhere in the world. In the end, the 18-day campaign is not just about remembering these laws but about understanding their importance and ensuring a future where women and children can live free from violence.

REFERENCE/S:

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