In a powerful address on November 25, Bangsamoro Women Commission (BWC) Chairperson Bainon Karon underscored the essential role of engaging men and boys in the fight against violence against women (VAW) and girls in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Her statement came during the launch of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW), held at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex (SKCC), Bangsamoro Government Center.
“By engaging men and boys, along with community and religious leaders, we can foster a supportive environment for survivors and build safer communities for women and girls,” said Karon during the 6th State of the Bangsamoro Women Address (SoBWA). This call to action reflects a broader commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment within BARMM, where survivors can heal and thrive.
The 18-Day Campaign, running annually from November 25 to December 12 under Presidential Proclamation 1172, s. 2006, seeks to raise awareness and foster collaboration to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.
Addressing Systemic Challenges
Chairperson Karon acknowledged the progress made in addressing pervasive social issues in the region but stressed the need for a continuous review of strategies to achieve a VAW-free BARMM. “Ensuring the welfare of the survivors is the utmost priority and not the other way around, where survivors suffer more as they are married to the perpetrators,” she said.
Karon emphasized a human-rights-based and multi-sectoral approach to addressing VAW. This includes ensuring access to life-saving services such as health care, psychosocial support, social services, protection, justice, and legal aid. These efforts are enshrined in Section 12, Article IX of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), which mandates the interim government to protect and uphold the rights of women, ensuring their safety and opportunities for a dignified life.
Strengthening Local Mechanisms
Adding to the discourse, Atty. Elijah Dumama-Alba, Minister of the Interior and Local Government (MILG), highlighted the critical role of the Barangay VAW Desk. Established under Republic Act No. 9262 (Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004) and Section 408 of the Bangsamoro Local Governance Code (BLGC), the desk serves as a vital mechanism for addressing gender-based violence and discrimination.
“The VAW desk is not merely a requirement; it is a declaration of our commitment to protect and empower the women of Bangsamoro—a sector whose resilience has long been the backbone of our communities yet continues to endure challenges that demand urgent actions,” said Alba.
She also emphasized the significance of the desk’s functionality, describing it as a “bridge between our aspirations and the realities of the women we seek to serve.” Every story shared by victims seeking assistance represents a call to action for local leaders to prioritize women’s welfare.
A Collective Vision
BARMM’s commitment to fostering self-sustaining and inclusive development aligns with the 12th priority agenda of Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim. This agenda emphasizes the empowerment of women, youth, and other vulnerable sectors, ensuring that their voices and needs are central to the region’s progress.
The launch of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women is a testament to the Bangsamoro Government’s resolve to address the deep-rooted issues of VAW. With active participation from community members, local leaders, and the male sector, the region moves closer to its vision of a safer and more equitable society for all.
Through collaborative efforts and persistent advocacy, the dream of a VAW-free BARMM is not just a goal but an achievable reality. As Chairperson Karon aptly puts it, “It is through unity and collective action that we can transform our communities into havens of peace and dignity for women and girls.”