BWC culminates 18-day campaign against VAW

                                                            BWC Chairperson Bainon Karon 

 COTABATO CITY – With high hopes for a VAW-free region, Bangsamoro Women Commission (BWC) culminated its successful 18-day campaign to end violence against women (VAW) on Friday, December 11, in Cotabato City. 

The 18-day campaign aimed to protect women and their human rights from any form of physical, emotional and sexual violence.

During the culmination activity, BWC Chairperson Bainon Karon presented the status of the commission’s efforts to formulate programs on gender, women, peace and security.

Karon noted that the drafting of Gender and Development (GAD) Code, which is now on its final consolidation stage, will soon be presented to Chief Minister Ahod ‘Al Haj Murad’ Ebrahim, the cabinet, and caucus of women MPs.

BWC is also specific about its advocacies against early childhood and forced marriage, on Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), and on women and peace building.

Karon emphasized that while achieving a VAW-free community is desirable, it is challenging to achieve.

"A VAW-free society is founded on equality, justice, respect for women's rights, positive masculinity, and social equality." Karon said.

BWC gave recognition to Mohammad Dawaling, chairman of Barangay Tapikan in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao, and Maguindanao PPO Chief of WCPD Police Captain Merlie Glemao for their support and commitment for the said campaign.

Also present were Members of Parliament Sultan Edrieza H. Nasser Rimbang and Mussolini S. Lidasan, BTA Secretary General Prof. Raby Angkal, GAD focal persons of BARMM ministries, and partners from both local and international non-government organizations (NGOs). (BUREAU OF PUBLIC INFORMATION, MINDANAO EXPOSE’)