Duterte vows to continue fighting for rights of women and children

President Rodrigo Duterte (Photo by KING RODRIGUEZ / Presidential Photographers Division)

President Rodrigo Duterte vowed on Saturday to fight for the rights of women and children and urged the public to help in cultivating a community “free from violence.”

“Rest assured that we will continue to fight for the rights of women and children,” Duterte said in his message to the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) on the first day of its 18-day campaign to end violence against women.

“Let us work together in building a strong nation rooted on social justice and equality,” he added.

The PCW’s activity marked the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, a day set by the United Nations to raise awareness against rape, domestic violence, and other form of violence.

Duterte lauded the PCW for its efforts to reduce violence against women and children by improving its response system throughout the country.

“This occasion echoes the call for equality, respect and dignity for women and girls regardless of their standing in the society. It is crucial therefore that we remain steadfast in cultivating a community free from violence and proactive in addressing the difficult issues that the country faces,” Duterte said.

“A society free from the threats of abuse of women will serve as one of our yardsticks in the path to development,” he added. /atm