GABRIELA reiterates call for systemic change in the face of growing violence against women and children in the country

MANILA, Philippines – On this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (IDEVAW), Filipino women's alliance GABRIELA reiterates its call to end all forms of violence against women and children, as well as other forms of gender-based violence. Despite legislative advancements gained by the women's movement in the country in recent years, such as the Safe Spaces Act of 2019 (RA 11313) and the 2023 ratification of the ILO Convention on Violence and Harassment in the World of Work (C190), Filipino women and girls continue to suffer varying and often worsening forms of abuse and violations to their rights and dignity as persons under the macho-feudal Philippine society. 

Recently, the Philippine National Police announced that rape remains to be the top crime in many places across the country and, appallingly, a growing number of cases involve children. Recent studies also found that the Philippines is the epicenter of online sexual abuse and exploitation of children or OSAEC, and the top global source for “child pornography.” From January 1 to November 24, 2024, the Women and Child Protection Units of the Child Protection Network have documented about 4,443 cases of violence against women, with the majority of cases (2,272 or 51.1%) involving physical abuse/assault; while recorded cases of violence committed against children reached up to 10,093 during the same period, with more than half being sexual abuse/assault (6,842 or 67.8%). Underreporting and societal stigma continue to mask the full extent of this pervasive issue. 

It is especially alarming that state forces are committing many of the most vicious forms of violence against women and children in the Philippines. The growing militarization in both rural and urban communities have resulted in different violations of human rights and a rise in sexual violence against women and girls. GABRIELA has received reports of multiple women residents in militarized communities experiencing sexual harassment, as well as politically motivated harassment, from encamped soldiers, who then prevent them from speaking out through threats and intimidation. Furthermore, the establishment of more EDCA sites and deployment of more American soldiers on our soils will undoubtedly increase cases of gender-based violence and human rights violations especially among vulnerable sectors of women and children. 

Systemic inequality and deeply ingrained gender norms are the main factors behind the persistence of gender-based violence. The grave state of women’s socio-economic conditions due to state neglect and prioritization of officials’ self-interest and the interests of foreign powers keep them vulnerable to abuses and all forms of violence. Women, especially those from marginalized sectors, continue to face barriers in accessing justice, economic opportunities, and essential support services. 

GABRIELA reaffirms its commitment to standing with survivors and pushing for systemic change to truly address gender-based violence in the country. As we commemorate IDEVAW, GABRIELA urges Filipino women and peoples to strengthen our unity as we advance the rights of women, children, LGBTQIA+, and all oppressed sectors in Philippine society. GABRIELA likewise calls on all allies locally and internationally to join us in our struggle for the genuine emancipation of Filipino women, that hinges on our peoples’ struggle for national democracy and sovereignty. Let us collectively strive for a society where all women and children live free from violence, with dignity and equality. Together, we can break the cycle of violence and build a safer future for all.#