MANILA -- To totally eradicate Violence Against Women (VAW), Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Tuesday called on employees of the agency to keep an open eye and speak out against any aggression or hostile acts against women.
“These will go a long way in changing the culture of silence and violence that women are enduring. We will have nothing to lose, but rather we will gain the support, respect and expertise of half of the population—our better half," he added.
Lorenzana made this statement during the DND's kick-off activity to start its 18-day campaign to end VAW at its ground in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City Monday.
The event is in line with International Day for the elimination of VAW.
The 18-day campaign will run until December 12, the historical date of the commencement of the United Nations (UN) Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, supplementing the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime.
The objective of the annual event is to raise awareness among stakeholders that VAW is a public issue of national concern. It supports the Philippine government’s goal to protect human rights of women and its commitment to address all forms of VAW.
Lorenzana said that a "VAW-free community starts with me" and called on all DND employees to reflect on our personal values, especially on how we value women in our personal lives.
“These days shall serve as a time for heightened awareness and activism against gender-based violence, and hopefully, help victims of VAW to attain justice, healing, and empowerment,” the DND chief added.
The defense chief also advised employees to be sensitive in their choice of language especially in the workplace.
“Kapag nagkamali ng biro ang mga kasama natin, o kahit mas nakakataas pa sa atin, huwag tayong tumawa (Let's not laugh at offensive jokes, whether it comes from our colleagues or superiors),” he said, adding that by being conscious about the things we say will make other people realize their mistake and consequently refrain from doing it again. (PNA)
