ENDING VAW. Population Commission 13 (Caraga) Director Alexander Makinano (3rd from left) leads the press conference in time for the opening of this year’s women’s month celebration, in Butuan City on Wednesday (March 1, 2023). Makinano, concurrent chair of the Regional Gender and Development Committee of the Regional Development Council, called on men to participate more in the crafting of gender-based policies and programs. (PNA photo by Alexander Lopez)
BUTUAN CITY – Although much has been done to address violence against women (VAW), the government needs additional efforts to curb VAW, with the support of the private sector.
One of these is for men to step up to the plate and engage more in initiatives that promote women's welfare, Population Commission (Popcom) 13 (Caraga) Director Alexander Makinano said during a media briefing of the Regional Development Council (RDC) here Wednesday afternoon.
“There is still a long way to go for this campaign for gender equality, gender equity, and women empowerment,” Makinano, concurrent chair of the RDC's Regional Gender and Development Committee, said.
He noted that gender-based violence, multiple burdens, insubordination, and other leading gender issues are perpetrated by men against women.
“The victims are women of all ages, including mothers and their girls,” he said.
Makinano, meanwhile, noted that existing structures and the implementing mechanisms of the government’s gender and development programs mostly involve women.
“Hardly you can see the membership of men,” he said, urging more men to be on the front line in helping society address gender-based issues.
“These gender issues are part of a culture that has been perpetuated until this time, and we could hardly make a 180-degree change of this culture unless men would get involved,” he added.
In 2022, at least 491 VAW cases were recorded in the region, based on the record presented by Maj. Junalyn Suan, chief of the regional police’s women and children protection desk.
“Of the total VAW cases last year, 391 were filed in court while 64 were settled. One was not filed as the suspect died, and another one is still under investigation as the suspect is still at large and not yet identified,” Suan said in the same forum.
A total of 55 rape cases were also recorded last year, still pending in court, he added. (PNA)
