A GROUP of men from the City of San Fernando recently vowed to support the campaign against gender violence by being part of the organization dubbed Men Opposed to Violence against Women (VAW) Everywhere or Move.

This organization was established in the city during the three-day comprehensive training on Combating Gender-Based Violence and Criminality which was initiated by the City Social Welfare and Development Office.

The said activity was participated in by male employees of the local government unit and its attached agencies; as well as male representatives from different sectors in the city.

During the training, the participants were taught on their crucial roles, as men, in nurturing family relationships, promoting gender equality, and eradicating violence in the community.

As new members of the Move, they were also encouraged to take part in conducting researches and studies to improve or formulate new policies addressing VAW; fostering a stronger comradeship among its members; and, forging linkages with similar groups working against gender violence.

Mayor Edwin Santiago also expressed his support to this campaign and cited that it is also one way of addressing the misconception that men are perpetrators of VAW.

“With the establishment of the Move, more men are now involved in crafting solutions to halt all forms of violence or discrimination against women,” he said.

Santiago added that the City Government’s existing Gender and Development Focal Point System and the newly formed Move can work hand-in-hand to implement more programs and services that promote equal opportunities for all Fernandinos. (PR)