Women activists to stage June 12 protest march against misogyny

A group of women activists is set to hold a protest on Independence Day to call the attention of President Rodrigo Duterte on his remarks against women.

Zena Bernardo, co-convenor of Babae Ako Movement and a member of the Coalition for Justice (CFJ), said on Saturday that about 10,000 individuals are expected to join the mass action.

“It’s about time to speak up,” Bernardo said during a forum held at the UP Hotel.

“Napakabastos talaga ng ating Presidente. Hindi na po tama na tatahimik ang mga tao para patuloy na bastusin kami,” she added.

Bernardo also dismissed accusations that the #BabaeAko campaign was political.

According to Bernardo, if the campaign was political, it is a “political resistance” against the misogynistic remarks of the President to women.

“Politika ito in terms of going against sa pambabastos sa amin. It’s a politics of resistance,” she said.

Bernardo said that the CFJ has invited women’s rights activist group Gabriela to join the protest.

She also said that “a lot of legal forces” are expected to join the march to discuss issues on misogyny and other concerns of women.

Attendees of the protest will assemble at Kilometer Zero at the Rizal Park at around 3:30 p.m. before marching towards Liwasang Bonifacio for the program proper.   /muf