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16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST GENDER VIOLENCE
Innabuyog Statement
November 25, 2007
November 25 as International Day of Action for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the 16-Day of Activism for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
November 25 is international day to end violence against women. It was first declared by women of Latin America in their gathering in 1981 to commemorate the death of the prominent three Mirabal sisters (The Butterfiles) who were killed for opposing the dictatorship of Gen. Trujillo in the Dominican Republic on November 25, 1960. The declaration made by women from Latin America spread throughout the world and as such November 25 became an international day of action for the elimination of violence against women. In 1991, through the Center for Women’s Global Leadership, women from 23 organizations gathered to declare November 25 to December 10 as 16 Days of Activism for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The UN General Assembly on December 17, 1999 designated November 25 as International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (IDEVAW).
In this year’s IDEVAW, we highlight the violence suffered by women due to increasing hunger and poverty. Majority of indigenous women in the Cordillera fall part of the 53% population of the Philippines who self-rate themselves as suffering from poverty (SWS) and 21.% who rate themselves as hungry. Economic reports say that 15 million of Filipinos live on 1 US dollar a day (P45.00) while 40 million Filipinos live on 2 US dollars a day (P90.00). The government justifies that a Filipino can live with P39.00 a day (less than 1 UD dollar).
Majority of women wallow in poverty and hunger, yet it was easy for Malacanang to distribute bribe money amounting from P200,000.00 to P500,000.00 each to local government officials and members of the House of Representatives. This was happening at a time that new impeachment proceedings and the anomalous ZTE-NBN contract were being discussed. In the midst of an increasing poverty, the Arroyo government has yet to answer graft and corruption charges against her government including the involvement of her husband. The Philippines has been rated the most corrupt government in Asia a few years back and a World Bank report says that at least 20% of the national budget is eaten by corruption. This is bureaucrat capitalism at work where those in power are running government as if it was their own business.
The unresolved issue of corruption in government bureaucracy indeed contributes to the hunger and poverty of the common women. There exist already the problem in budget prioritization where the most needed budget areas for women get the least allocation like basic social services. Economic programs have yet to reach the poor to the poorest section of women.
Stretching of the family budget is already impossible and this is even made more difficult with the recent oil price hike making it the 16th times to increase prices of gasoline products this year and a total increase of P10.00 per liter of gasoline this year. Diesel, kerosene and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) prices have hiked 13 times with a total of P6.60 per liter of diesel products and P6.30 per kilo of LPG. Given the wide-ranging effects on the economy, the most to suffer will be the ordinary women wage-earners, farmers, small entrepreneurs, drivers and their families. What we see is lesser food on the table, inability to seek medical and other important services, and a bleak Christmas for their families.
Hunger and poverty now comes as the number one violence against women and children. This violence of hunger and poverty makes women and children vulnerable to other forms of violence like domestic, sexual, mental and psychological violence. With corruption eating people’s money, what services do distressed women expect from government? When they raise their voices, they face political repression calling these acts as acts of terrorism.
The 16 Days of Activism for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is a time to act on the cause of our violence. Let this be a time to get women’s attention on the oil price hikes, on the corruption issues, on livelihood, services and welfare and security for women. We also join the widows and orphans of victims of political killings, Pepe Manegdeg and Albert Terredano, who are still crying for justice, two years after their slay on November 27 and 28, 2005 respectively. Let us bring to the public and get their support for the 3 House Bills against the oil price increase proposed by the progressive partylist groups, Gabriela Women’s Party, Bayan Muna and Anakpawis on November 26, 2007.###
Reference: Vernie Yocogan-Diano, Chairperson
Mila Lingbawan, secretary-general
**16 Days of Activism: International Day against VAW (Nov 25) to International Human Rights Day (Dec 10)**
Dear All,
Women democracy and human rights activists in Burma on the run have called for your solidarity! In their call to friends around the world (see attached), they said, "We hope that solidarity friends and women's human rights groups around the world will take the International Day against Violence against Women (November 25) and International Women Human Rights Defenders Day (November 29), as opportunities to advocate and take actions for the safety and rights of the women human rights defenders and all women of Burma oppressed by the military regime."
Today, these five women activists, namely Nilar Thein, Phyu Phyu Thin, Ni Mo Hlaing, Tin Moe Lwin, and May Thitsa, sent a letter to the UN Human Rights Commissioner, President of UN Human Rights Council, UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women, and UN Special Representative of the Secretary General on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders. In the letter, they call for the UN Human Rights Council to send the UN Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women and the UN Special Representative on the Situation of Human Rights Defender to Burma to conduct a fact-finding mission and set up a mechanism to safeguard and protect our rights in Burma.
In addition they also call for the UN Representative on Human Rights Defenders and the Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women to seriously address the situation of women activists and female family members of detainees in Burma, by urgently requesting a visit to the country to investigate the human rights violations committed against them.
We hope that you will show your support to the women in Burma as there are serious human rights violations committed against women them. There is an urgent need for the international community to take measures in support of women activists and female family members of detainees as six women activists on the run said.
The APPPB Secretariat has compiled a campaign material for women of Burma with the aim to assist our solidarity friends of Burma in your Burma campaign activities. You may also download this campaign booklet as well as their letter to the UN from APPPB Blog at www.apppb.blogspot.com.
Tomorrow on November 23, Women's League of Burma, a 12-member umbrella of women organizations from Burma, will be holding a press conference at the Bangkok Foreign Correspondent Club (FCCT) to launch Women's Human Rights Defenders Campaign calling for the protection of women's human rights defenders in Burma, starting from November 25, 2007, Stop Violence Against Women Day.. The time is from 10 am to 12 pm. The address of FCCT is: The Penthouse, Maneeya Center, 518/5 Ploenchit Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok
WLB representatives will present the latest information on women activists arrested and hunted down inside Burma during the recent crackdown. For more information, please contact Paw Hset Hser at +66 87 1801 421
Women On the Move for Burma (WOMB), a New York based women organization, will be holding a demonstration on November 25 (Sunday), the International Day against Violence against Women, WOMB calls on you to "Stand Up for Women Human Rights Defenders!" as they hold this demonstration on behalf
of women human rights defenders all over the world, especially those women democracy activists in Burma that are in detention or in hiding.
The WOMB and Burma solidarity friends in New York will hold the demonstration from 1:30 to 2:15 on this Sunday at UN Plaza and then march to Burmese Mission. For more information, please contact Kathleen Didomenico (212-365-4155), Carolyn Nwe (917-704-4623) and Nang San (917-519-3771).
We hope to see more actions coming from Burmese and solidarity friends in other countries in support of the women activists in Burma. We know that some of you are already planning to organize another round of actions aiming at International Human Rights Day -- December 10 and hope that you will send information on your planned actions as time comes. Thank you. If there is anything that we can be of assistance to you, please let us know.
Quick update on Burmese activists in Singapore: About 40-50 Burmese in red shirts held a peaceful protest in front of the Singaporean police and the reporters on Nov 20 in the evening, carrying a banner that read "Listen to Burma's desires. Don't follow Junta 'Order'" and standing peacefully in rows of 3, expressing solidarity with their fellow Burmese. Many congratulations to you all in Singapore for all your successful actions during the Asean Summit and wish you more success in your further campaign activities.
We look forward to hearing from you on your action plans in support of women activists. Please do not forget to download the campaign booklet! Thank you.
In Solidarity,
The APPPB Secretariat
E-mail: appartnership@gmail.com
Blog: www.apppb.blogspot.com
Solidarity Call from Women in Burma 
Women Campaign Kit - 22 Nov 07
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20th November 2007
Press release for Immediate release
Forum for the Elimination of Violence against Women
The Centre for Women’s Development and The International Movement Against All forms of Discrimination and Racism and several other NGO’s and CB Organisations will come together to witness a Women’s Tribunal – Women Rise Against Violence
Significantly held on the International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women, the one-day forum will give voice to women affected by the civil war in the North and East, those displaced by the Tsunami, together with women working in Free Trade Zones from the Hill Country and other parts of the island.
The Centre for Women and Development (CWD) was established in 1998 to promote gender equality all spheres of life through the effective dissemination of information regarding the evolving role and responsibilities of women in modern society.
CWD works to increase women's participation in the development process through creating awareness through library service, research and other guidance to link interested parties with other local and international organisations, providing training in leadership, achievement motivation and skills development.
Made up of an Advisory Council, Secretariat, Functional Unit, and Women's Committee at the village level, a unique feature of CWD is the open membership to both men and women alike to ensure maximum participation from both sexes to form more effective local committees.
The organization provides counseling, advice and support on better nutrition for underprivileged children, revolving credit funds to benefit widows and unsupported women, free legal aid, hostel facilities for students and working women and other socio environmental initiatives towards poverty alleviation and improved quality of life.
Plans are in the pipeline for the establishment of hostel facilities for unsupported women and an auditorium and cultural centre to encourage greater the participation of women in the arts and culture.
Although at present CWD’s reach is confined to the northern part of Sri Lanka, they hope to expand their services to include other women all over the country. For further details on CWD call 0112 595224.
The International Movement Against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism (IMADR) is an international non-profit, non-governmental human rights organization devoted to eliminating discrimination and racism, forging international solidarity among discriminated minorities and advancing the international human rights system.
IMADR’s core values include empowerment of discriminated groups for self-representation to combat discrimination, promoting cooperation and solidarity among discriminated people to rise above regional, national and gender differences and advocacy to promote the implementation of international human rights instruments through the voice and power of discriminated groups, while strengthening legal standards, institutions and organs for the elimination of discrimination and racism and promote their effective use by the discriminated.
The other partner organizations joining this event are Mothers & Daughters of Lanka, Human Development Organisation (Kandy) & Women in Need.
For further details call the IMADR Asia Committee on 011 2 682505.
Press article for immediate publication
Gender Equity, National Development & Peace
Women make up 48% of Sri Lanka’s total labour force. 70% of the country’s total foreign exchange is earned by women, while almost half of the 1.2 million migrant worker population is women.
Although women form almost half of the formal workforce, according to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the quality of employment available to women is lower than that available to men. Women are largely engaged in casual and low-paid, low-skill jobs.
While the law provides for equal employment opportunities in the public sector, there is inadequate legal protection against discrimination in the private sector, where women are sometimes paid less than their male counterparts for equal work, experience difficulty in rising to supervisory positions, and face sexual harassment.
Unwelcome trend
Despite their contribution to national GDP, a survey conducted by the Ministry of Child Development and Women's Empowerment (June 2006) reveals that 60% of Sri Lankan women experience domestic violence and 44% of pregnant women are subjected to harassment.
Violence against women and girls, an universal problem which keeps growing at an alarming rate, is considered one of the most pervasive human rights violations which not only threatens the lives and wellbeing of individuals but also the successful growth and development of society.
Studies reveal that atleast one out of every three women around the world has been beaten, coerced into sex, or otherwise abused in her lifetime, usually by someone known to her.
Facts on Violence against Women (United Nations)
- Violence against women is a major cause of death and disability for women 16 to 44 years of age.
- It is as serious a cause of death and incapacity among women of reproductive age as cancer, and a greater cause of ill-health than traffic accidents and malaria combined
- Several studies have revealed increasing links between violence against women and HIV/AIDS.
- Women who have experienced violence are at a higher risk of HIV infection. A survey among 1,366 South African women showed that women who were beaten by their partners were 48 per cent more likely to be infected with HIV than those who were not.
- The economic cost of violence against women is considerable. According to a 2003 report by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the costs of intimate partner violence in the United States alone exceed US$5.8 billion per year. US$4.1 billion are for direct medical and health care services, while productivity losses account for nearly US$1.8 billion.
Whereas the figures calculated in miscellaneous studies vary considerably from country to country due to different methodologies applied, it has been established clearly that the economic costs of violence against women are enormous. They impoverish individuals, families, communities and governments and reduce the economic development of each nation
Despite The Prevention of Domestic Violence Bill which was passed in 2005 to curb the occurrence of domestic violence in the country, sexual assault, rape, and spousal abuse continue to be serious problems. For example, marital rape is considered an offense only in cases of spouses living under judicial separation.
Moreover, while sexual harassment is considered a criminal offense carrying a maximum sentence of five years in prison, convictions are few and far between.
A general lack of awareness among women of their rights, reluctance on the part of women to take action for fear and shame, and a lack of forums to address such issues in confidence gives rise to a wicked cycle of perpetuation of violence against women.
Over the recent past however, there have been many concerted efforts to address the issue, which has effectively led to violence against women being recognized globally as a human rights abuse.
Elimination of Violence against Women
Many global networks have contributed to raise awareness and effect change in community attitudes and practices related to violence against women over the decades.
One such instance is the annual global campaign - The 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence, which focuses on the human rights aspects of eliminating violence against women, to strengthen the understanding that advancing human rights and ending violence against women are closely linked.
Coordinated by the Centre for Women’s Global Leadership since 1991, the campaign begins on the 25th of November which is observed annually to honour the Mirabal sisters, three political activists from the Dominican Republic who were assassinated on the same date in 1961, and ends on 10th December, which is International Human Rights Day.
The campaign involves organizations worldwide in activities ranging from media programmes to demonstrations, conferences, exhibitions and performances to create awareness and promote activism on the issue.
In 1999, the United Nations joined the campaign by designating 25th November the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
Despite such concerted efforts, the increased violence in societies in general, and a continuing gap between political commitment and adequate resources necessitates much more work – which is the responsibility of each and every individual in society.
The forum to give voice to Sri Lanka’s affected women, coordinated by the Centre for Women’s Development (CWD) Jaffna, the International Movement Against Discrimination & Racism (IMADR) and their partner organizations the Mothers and Daughters of Lanka, Human Development Organisation (Kandy) & Women in Need on 25th of November 2007 in Colombo is a positive step towards eliminating violence against women in Sri Lanka.
16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST GENDER VIOLENCE IN 2006 |
