REMEMBER. Reclaim. Resist. We coined such call in gathering women from various sectors to a forum to remember martial law, to reclaim their rights to live decently, and to resist tyranny.
Women from the toiling class shared how they have experienced the infringement of their political, socio-economic and cultural rights.
We noted that the implementation of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law put additional burden to women. Inflation hit a nine-year high of 6.4 percent (August 2018). In effect, prices of basic commodities have accelerated uncontrollably with the staple rice steadily increasing for eight months, as recorded by the Philippine Statistics Authority.
An increase in food prices cripples the poor families as the bulk of their income is spent on food. According to the Family Income and Expenditure Survey (FIES), low income families spend 50 percent to 60 percent of their income on food expenses compared to 35.3 percent of those who earn higher income. IBON Foundation has estimated almost 18 million Filipino families survive on incomes below the family living wage of Php 30,000 per month.
The consistent misogynistic remarks against women by President Duterte add burden to women since such views from the president himself contribute to the proliferation of a macho and feudal-patriarchal society. These views also aggravate the culture of impunity since the perpetrators from the state’s armed forces have the full support of the president, excusing such abuses as “in line of duty.”
According to our ongoing monitoring and review of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with the current human rights backdrop in the country, the fulfillment of Agenda2030 adopted by world leaders including the Philippines in 2015 treads on a difficult path. Integral to each of the 17 goals is the achievement of women’s empowerment.
Only ensuring the rights of women across all the goals will guarantee that no one is indeed left behind.--Center for Women’s Resources