Tacloban City, Philippines – The Philippine Information Agency Region 8 is spearheading a Media Forum on Women Issues starting today at the PIA Regional Office here.
PIA Region 8 Director Olive Tiu informed that two important topics on women will be discussed by the invited guests. DSWD Director Leticia Corillo will discuss “Giving Voice to Violence against Women” while DOH Assistant Regional Director Minerva Molon will discuss the “Psychology of Battered Woman Syndrome.”
Director Tiu said that violence against women and children remains to be prevalent in the Region. What is worse is the fact that even women who are professionals, many of who are in the government service, are victims themselves. The form of violence against women which is very common is domestic violence.
The members of the tri-media who are expected to attend the Forum will also listen to the taped interview of a woman government employee who will tell how and why she left her partner, her struggles with overcoming isolation, her fears on violence such as threats from her partner.
She will also advice women in government and other women who are in the same situation to break their silence lest their lives and the lives of their children will forever be destroyed.
The highlight of the Forum is the signing of commitment for the media in Region 8 to become the voices of violence against women.
“Women bear and care for the children. In much of the world, they plant the crops that feed the world. They weave the fabric of society. Violence against women is thus an attack on all of the people, on the foundation of society. It destroys health and perpetuates poverty. It strikes against equality and empowerment.” Tiu said in her email sent to Ground Report.
The media which is considered powerful, should therefore, lend a hand, to be the voice that will break the silence of women victims, a force that will help stop violence against women and children.
The Forum will also be the venue for recognizing the women media practitioners who have been helping promote the advancement of the women of Region 8.