The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga, as chair of the Regional Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women (RIACAT-VAWC) Caraga and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga, chair of the Regional Gender and Development Council (RGADC) led the culmination of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women yesterday, December 12, 2024, at SM City Butuan.

The event, held in conjunction with the International Day Against Trafficking, International Human Rights Day, and National Human Rights Consciousness Week, emphasized the importance of women’s rights as human rights.

Regional Development Council-Regional Gender and Development Committee Co-Chairperson Concepcion Asis highlighted that ending violence against women and protecting human rights begins when Gender and Development is taught in homes and schools from a young age to be one of the strong foundations of a child.

Moreover, one of the event’s highlights was CHR’s awarding of the Regional Gawad Karapatang Pantao 2024. For this, DSWD Caraga extends its congratulations to one of its Angel in Red Vests, Protective Services Division (PSD) Chief Jessie Catherine B. Aranas for being one of the regional awardees.

RIACAT-VAWC recognized the contributions of its members in amplifying the campaign, “VAW Bigyang Wakas, Ngayon na ang Oras!” which calls for immediate action to end violence against women.

DSWD Caraga Regional Director Mari-Flor Dollaga challenged co-duty-bearers to strengthen partnerships and ensure effective, inclusive, and sustainable systems to address gender-based violence.

“We must continue to do the check and balance work together, strengthen our partnerships, and ensure that the systems we put in place are effective, inclusive, and sustainable. Let us never grow complacent. Let us innovate ways to encourage participation and most importantly reach those who cannot come to us because of limited access,” Dollaga said.

The campaign aligns with the Philippine government’s commitment to protect the human rights of women and girls, as enshrined in the 1987 Constitution.