Women of TOBSPA
No More Silence, No More Violence: Scouts Against Violence Against Women and Children
Therese Erlyn B. Napuli, TOBS 2022
January 1, 2023
You know the story. A student walking down the street, hopeful for some rest after a long day, is taken aside and sexually harassed by strangers. A wife beaten daily searches for a way out but is unable to tell anyone out of fear. A child, too young to defend themself, is kidnapped and exploited online.
This is the bitter reality of several people all over the planet. A world where one out of four Filipinas are taken advantage of, harmed, and unable to speak out (Philippine Statistics Authority, 2017). A world where, according to the Disrupting Harm Project, one-in-five older Filipino children suffer from online sexual abuse (Ratcliffe, 2022). Every day, we could pass by several people going through various forms of violence and have no idea.
Yet, so long as the sun shines, there is the opportunity to help. As scouts, you have a duty to one another—a promise to fight for the well-being of our fellows and amplify the voices of victims of violence.
This year, the Women of TOBSPA (WOT), a subcommittee of the Ten Outstanding Boy Scouts of the Philippines Association composed of female members, manifested this duty by participating in the 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women by initiating No More Silence, No More Violence: Scouts Against Violence Against Women and Children. The initiative ran from November 25 until December 12, 2022, and consisted of various online activities to help raise awareness and action to end violence. The project objectives include:
(1) to help others become more informed on salient laws against VAWC,
(2) to be aware of the different areas Scouts and non-Scouts can approach for help, and of course, and
(3) to understand the issue of VAWC on a deeper level while encouraging more youth involvement in the matter.
The first of the main activities is the launch of SAN KA PUNTA?, an information drive on important institutions. “San ka punta?”, which roughly translates to “where are you going?”, is a directory of hotlines, Women and Children Protection Centers, as well as Violence Against Women helpdesks from all over the Philippines. The Women of TOBSPA gathered information on places for every region, ensuring that no matter where you are, you can find the help you need. Moreover, the directory infographics were paired with the regional languages corresponding to the region—from Bisaya, Ilokano, Bikolano, Hiligaynon, and more—further promoting inclusivity and easier access to all.
Another activity held was the release of the very first TOBSPA podcast episode: I Vow to End VAWC last December 6, 2022, which featured important insights on Violence Against Women and Children. The podcast was hosted by WOT members Reyshell Lat, TOBS 2017, and Bianca Elpedes, TOBS 2021. Featuring the wisdom of their esteemed guests: Atty. Christine Dela Cruz, President of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines – Aklan Council, Mr. Paul Pelayo, Former President of Men Opposed to Violence Against Women Everywhere (MOVE) Aklan, and Ben Secretario, President of TOBSPA.
The speakers highlighted the role of the youth, especially in empowering others and creating safe spaces that foster trust.
Spreading awareness does not only end here, as the MABUTI NANG MAY ALAM: Information Drive on Salient Laws provided meaningful knowledge on the ways our nation is eradicating VAWC. This drive featured infographics on notable laws that protect and preserve the rights of Women and Children, including the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004, The Establishment of Barangay VAWC Desks, The Magna Carta of Women, the Anti-Rape Law, and the Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2009. Each infographic consisted of relevant and detailed information on the laws. Awareness of the rights of others is a step toward prevention and protection.
To close the campaign, a Webinar entitled: NO MORE SILENCE, NO MORE VIOLENCE was held on December 12, 2022. The Webinar featured the most frequently asked questions regarding VAWC and was filled with the rich thoughts of guest speakers Mr. Syd Castillo, Director of Educational Methods at the Asia-Pacific Support Centre, and Ms. Juliana Talde, an Anti-Sexual Harassment Advocate and News Reporter at Archers Network. Through questions submitted by participants, both individuals shared their perspectives on VAWC—Mr. Castillio talked about the part Scouts play in preventing violence, while Ms. Talde shared how empathy and understanding can be best shown to those who have experienced violence.
The event had proven to be successful in empowering Scouts to promote peace and equality for all. Though the campaign may have been only for 18 days, the call to do a good turn is daily. With the learnings from the event, the active participation of Filipino Scouts in building a brighter future is stronger than ever.