By Gabriela Baron
The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) warned against any form of violence against women (VAW) during the election period and any act that “tends to degrade, objectify, sexualize, or insult” women.
This after the proliferation of links supposedly leading to a sex video of a woman related to a candidate and a concerning video showing two candidates dancing and sitting on the lap of a woman in a campaign rally went viral recently.
“Election season or not, women should not be targets of misogynistic, malicious, or sexist maneuvers,” PCW said.
The Commission reminded the public that violence against women “can never be justified” and tactics to utilize the same “must not be condoned.”
PCW likewise warned that using information and communications technology in altering videos and impersonating identities of victims online or posting lies about victims to harm their reputation are penalized under the Safe Spaces Act.
“The Commission has long advocated that women should be treated with respect, and has always opposed the objectification of women. This is especially relevant during the election season when some individuals see or use women as a form of entertainment, means to get attention, or mere tools of propaganda,” PCW stressed.
“While some may say that it is all in the spirit of fun, it is sexualizing and dehumanizing women, and is clearly a gross and blatant disregard of their rights and dignity,” it added.
The agency called on the public to “be vigilant and proactive in preventing and addressing” similar actions and urged authorities to investigate the incidents “to put an end to it once and for all.”
It also reminded candidates and supporter that sexist strategies, discrimination, and violence against women have no place in a decent election. – ag
