Senator Leila De Lima urged the public on Sunday to stand up against violence and abuses against women and children.
De Lima, a human rights defender, issued the statement as the nation commemorates the National Consciousness Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Children.
“Now more than ever, it is vital for each and every one of us to stand up for the right of every woman and child to equality and protection,” De Lima said.
The senator has called on the public to be keen on the abuses happening in the country and challenge the beliefs of those “narrow-minded and misogynistic.”
“We must be conscious not to let prejudices and negative gender stereotypes chip away at our rightful places in the society,” she said.
“We must challenge narrow-minded and misogynistic beliefs that fortify glass ceilings that leave women and children short in access to rights and entitlements such as healthcare, education, housing and an adequate standard of living,” De Lima added.
The detained senator said violence against women and children is an “egregious and horrible human rights violation that happens almost anywhere,” citing that abuses happen in schools, workplaces, and even in digital platforms.
With this, De Lima joined the nation in observing the said event as she expressed support to her fellow human rights defenders in eliminating violence against women and children.
“I join the entire Filipino nation and my fellow human rights defenders around the world in the solemn but proud observance of this most important occasion,” De Lima said.
“Let us all work – together and urgently – to make this world a safer and better place for all the women and children,” she added. /ee