Women, especially those who defend human rights, have been subjected to various forms of human rights violations since President Rodrigo Duterte assumed position in 2016.
As the Anti-Terror Bill is approved on third and final reading by the Philippine Congress, more women may become targets of attacks and abuses.
More than a month passed since the implementation of enhanced community quarantine in many parts of the country. Millions of Filipinos, especially those in the margins, have suffered from suspension of work, loss of income and livelihood, and insufficient relief from the government.
Worse, this COVID-19 pandemic has posed disproportionate impact on women workers as many employed women workers are at the frontline of COVID-19 response. Seven out of 10 health care jobs in the Philippines comprise of women, while thousands of women also work in the service sector and continue to provide services amid the pandemic. In this light, the CWR hosted an online discussion on the situation of women workers in the time of COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown.
by Willie Casas, Manila Standard, 22 April 2020
The Center for Women’s Resources (CWR) warned on Tuesday against the rising “zoom-bombing” and online attacks against organizations that offer services amid lockdown and threats of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), as its web seminar on violence against women was attacked by trolls and zoom-bombers last week.On Friday, the CWR, together with Gabriela National Alliance of Women, hosted a back-to-back online orientation on violence against women (VAW) and VAW legal clinic in response to the need of many women who are vulnerable to abuse during this pandemic COVID-19 lockdown.
CWR education and training coordinator Miriam Grafil was in the middle of her discussion on basic orientation on violence against women when unknown trolls started drawing vulgar images and words on the screen.“Continuing advocacy work in the time of COVID-19 pandemic has been incredibly challenging especially for non-profit organizations like CWR. With little resources, we try to respond to the needs of women,” CWR executive director Jojo Guan said.
“The least we can do is to continue educating women and the public through online platform. It is disheartening that there are groups and individuals who attack organizations and peddle hate and disinformation,” Guan remarked.While zoom-bombing and online trolling happen in many other countries, online attacks in the country suggests a trend, it targets organizations and individuals critical of the government and its response to COVID-19.
“Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Philippine government has been notorious in creating and spreading fake news. They have reportedly launched smear campaigns against opposition and legitimate organizations,” Guan explained.According to various reports, the Philippines has become the epicenter of troll farms that churn out fake contents – news, narratives, photos – on various social media platform. In many instances, the Philippine government has been criticized for peddling fake news.“Online platforms, like social media and video conference applications are in danger of being weaponized in this critical time of lockdown. Since mobility is limited, the public has no choice but to rely on media, especially on social media,” Guan explained.“Thus, let us ensure that our right to accurate, truthful information is upheld. Likewise, we should fight for any attempts to curtail our rights to speak against the abuses of people in power,” Guan concluded.
According to the most recent data of Department of Health (DOH), there are about 19 million Filipinos who suffer from schizophrenia, major depressive disorder and are considered bipolar; however, access to affordable mental health services remains limited for many Filipinos especially to marginalized sectors.
Read more
Written by: Jhesset O. Enano, Philippine Daily Inquirer
(Last of three parts)
MANILA, Philippines — From on top of a cabinet at the second floor of their house in Marikina City, Nora Cencil and her three young children watched in fear as the brown and murky floodwaters threatened to inundate their perch.
Read more
