Bangsamoro Women Commission’s fun run kicks off the 18-day campaign to end violence against women (VAW) 2023 on Nov. 25, 2023. (Marhom Ibrahim/BIO)
COTABATO CITY—Bangsamoro Women Commission (BWC) officially kicked off on Nov. 25, the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) 2023 with an open-for-all fun run from Cotabato City Plaza to the Bangsamoro Government Center (BGC) in this city.
Wearing advocacy shirts, Bangsamoro employees participated in the said activity which carries the theme: ‘UNITED for a VAW-free Philippines’, focusing on raising awareness and ending all forms of violence against women.
Chairwoman Bainon Karon of the BWC emphasized, “Let’s stand united in advocating for safety, peace, and equality for women and children throughout the Bangsamoro region.”
She further underscored that BARMM leadership supports the National government’s initiatives to sustain the drive towards a VAW-free community.
“The Government of the Day is continuing its platforms along with various local and international organizations in raising awareness about ending all forms of violence against women,” she added.
The BWC also conducted a series of visits and assessments to different BARMM provinces and municipalities to ensure the accessibility and availability of services for women.
Participant Sittie Ainah Sicag, 27, expressed that merely treating women well falls short. She emphasized, “Our goal should be to ensure every woman is treated with utmost respect and care.”
She said violence against women cannot be tolerated, in any form and any circumstance.
“I firmly believe today that the only way to stop violence against women is to speak out, we have to show that women can also do something in all aspects, such as political leadership and sustaining peace and security in the region,” she added.
A series of sportsfest activities is prepared from Nov. 25 to Dec. 23 by BWC in partnership with the Bangsamoro Sports Commission (BSC), the Ministry of Health (MOH), and the Local Government Unit (LGU).
These activities represent a steadfast commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment, actively contributing to a nationwide drive to end violence against women. (Johaira Sahidala/BIO)
