Gender-Based/Domestic Violence

Domestic violence refers to any form of household violence, to their spouse, children or other family members. The most commonly reported form of this is physical abuse to women. As mentioned in other sections there is a sense of superiority in men over women in this country due to a variety of factors. As mothers and women in general are more dependent on their spouses this can lead them to being more submissive and can cause them to allow their children to be abused too. Gender based inequality can result in a loss of dignity and reputation in their community, it can bring a lot of shame to them and their family this is due to the cultural and societal norms there and these need to be addressed properly to encourage victims to speak out about their abuse.

UNITED NATIONS POPULATION FUND (UNPF)

According to a 2017 demographic 1 in 20 women in the age range 15-49 have faced abuse in their lives. While this may not seem like a lot, you have to take into consideration that many women may not have reported their assault/abuse due to fear of losing their reputation and dignity. Also taking into consideration the population of women in the Philippines, with a female population of 56.9 million according to the demographic about 2,845,000 hypothetically face gender based abuse.

What?

The UNFP or United Nations Population Fund is working toward reducing gender based violence by creating a guideline to stop these issues in the Philippines. Partnering with the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) ministry of social services and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to work towards this goal.

How?

The UNFPA focuses on attacking the problem from its roots and creating and strengthening old policies. They also are creating mechanisms and preventatives for gender based violence cases and creating safe spaces that support victims by working with the DSWD and the Department of Health.

Currently...

Major projects that are currently being conducted on the matter are a study on the price that women pay for violence against women, a study on violence against women and girls in the Philippines and reviews on the sexual and reproductive health rights.