Around the world, 1 in 3 women (35%) experience either physical or sexual violence as published by the World Health Organization (WHO) thereby, emphasizing violence against women as a major public health concern and focus of international and domestic policy decisions.

In support to the campaign of ending violence against women (VAW) by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), the Metropolitan Naga Water District (MNWD) Human Resource Division through the Infirmary and Breastfeeding Staff conducted a seminar with the theme: “VAW-FREE Community Starts With ME” at Gainza Multipurpose Hall, Gainza, Camarines Sur last November 29, 2018.

With PO3 Fatima Peñones Ibias-Lanuza as the Guest Speaker, an Outstanding Police Officer Awardee from the Minalabac Police Station, the seminar raised awareness among MNWD customers (women and their husbands, barangay officials, and other stakeholders) about the provisions of Republic Act 9262 otherwise known as Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children.

Further, it aims to ensure the protection of women and their children from various forms of abuse including physical, emotional, psychological, economic, and sexual abuse from their intimate partners, and teach Barangay Officials on the protocols in handling VAWC cases.

MNWD strongly supports the national government to protect the human rights of women and address all forms of gender-based violence against them. The empowerment of women in the community especially in the corporate spectrum is not in any way a form of intimidation, rather it is a symbol of love to one another, respect to human rights, and recognition of human dignity, liberalism, and social equilibrium. (Auria S. Gonzales)

VAW SEMINAR. The on-site seminar conducted by the MNWD through its Human Resource Division in support for the campaign to end violence against women at Gainza, Camarines Sur last November 29, 2018.