The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) government has pledged a unified stance to combat violence against women and girls, as reported on the official BARMM website. The Bangsamoro Women Commission (BWC) took the lead in concluding the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) on December 12 at the OCM Grounds, Bangsamoro Government Center (BGC) in Cotabato City. This campaign, led by the BWC and supported by Bangsamoro Government employees, aimed to reinforce the region's commitment to gender equality and women's empowerment.
Hadja Bainon Karon, the BWC Chairperson, emphasized that the event was more than just a conclusion; it was a reaffirmation of the region's mission, deeply rooted in its Islamic principles and moral governance framework. Karon's speech highlighted the importance of cultivating a just and peaceful Bangsamoro where women and girls can live without fear of violence. She also underscored the region's directive to local protection mechanisms to uphold women's safety and dignity.
Atty. Bantuas Lucman, the BAGO's Attorney General, stressed that the fight against VAW goes beyond legal statutes and is deeply ingrained in the region's core values. He declared that the campaign is an 'everyday stand' and a moral imperative for every public servant under the Moral Governance Framework and the anti-violence law RA 9262 (Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004), RA 11313 (Safe Spaces Act or 'Bawal Bastos Law'), and other related laws. Lucman emphasized that the true measure of success is not just symbolic but tangible actions, such as saving a woman, protecting a child, implementing justice, and changing cultural norms.
The event featured messages of support from key officials, discussions on the Islamic perspective on ending VAW, recognition of the active implementation of VAW initiatives by the Bangsamoro Women's Organizations (BMOAs) during the 18-day observance, and the winners of the Frames of Change Short Film Contest. The 18-day campaign against VAW, mandated by Proclamation 1172 s. 2006 and observed annually from November 25 to December 12, aims to raise awareness and mobilize unified action among stakeholders. The regional government supports this national call to protect the human rights of women and girls and commits to addressing all forms of VAW.
