| Fulfillment of Reproductive Rights and Protection from Gender-Based Violence |
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| Tuesday, 26 January 2010 14:36 |
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0 0 0 The PKKK Secretariat had exploratory talks with the Women's Crisis Center (WCC) on how to address the prevalent VAW cases in the rural provinces. There had been increased demands for referrals and training on how to address VAWC and trafficking cases. Meanwhile, in the light of the state's "anti- terrorism" campaigns, the women organizations were confronted not only with threats of gender-based violence but also political repression from the military forces. These incidences were reported during meetings and discussions, which prompted PKKK to include the issue in the CEDAW shadow report. PKKK was active in the Justice for Nicole, Justice for our Nation campaign. PKKK participated in the various mass mobilizations and fora regarding this campaign, which started in 2006 when a Filipina was raped by US soldiers in Subic, Pampanga. The rape case developed further as a national political issue when the perpetrator appeared to have impunity under the Visiting Forces Agreement that the Philippines signed with the USA. The victory in the so-called Subic Rape case was not just a victory for women’s rights, but a victory for the nation’s sovereignty as well. The PKKK also reached out to another human rights formation, namely the Economic Social Cultural Rights (ESCR)- Asia. This group spearheaded the National Workshop on the Informal Sector last May 17 to 19, 2007 in Cebu. |