De Lima hails #EveryWoman for standing up vs Duterte's misogyny

Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has commended the convenors behind the group #EveryWoman, on the occasion of its 1st anniversary, for tirelessly standing up to misogynists like Mr. Duterte and empowering women to fight his murderous policies.

Recognized by Amnesty International as one of the most notable Women Human Rights Defenders Under Threat, De Lima said #EveryWoman has shown exemplary courage in its fight against sexist attacks meant to belittle the dignity and rights of women.

"Sa pagdiriwang ng inyong unang anibersaryo, kasama ang mga kapwa ko ina, babae, at Pilipinang kontra sa mga kabastusan, punung-puno na sa mga kasinungalingan, at totoong lumalaban sa lahat ng uri ng paglabag sa ating mga karapatan, maraming maraming salamat sa pagsisikap at makabuluhang programa ng #EveryWoman para iangat at ipagtanggol ang mga naisasantabi sa ating lipunan," she said.

#EveryWoman, which started as a loose network of women's groups and individual activists who rallied behind De Lima when the latter was the object of slut shaming in the course of the House hearings on the Bilibid drug trade, celebrated its first anniversary last Aug. 30.

The Senator from Bicol said the brave women behind #EveryWoman have proven that anyone--regardless of gender--can stand up to an abusive regime.

"Sa loob ng isang taon, walang takot na tumindig ang #EveryWoman laban sa isang mapaniil na pamahalaan. Sa kabila ng pananahimik ng marami, lalo na ng mismong mga pinuno, buong tapang na nagpapahayag ang #EveryWoman ng kanilang pagtutol sa mga mapang-abuso at di-makatuwirang polisiya ng kasalukuyang gobyerno," she said.

"Hindi umuurong sa laban. Naninindigan at walang kompromisong nakikibaka ang #EveryWoman para sa kapakanan ng kababaihan, ng sambayanan, at Inang Bayan," she added.

In its one year of existence, De Lima said #EveryWoman has widely promoted "Pagbubuklod, pagbibigay-lakas sa kababaihan, paggalang sa karapatang pantao, at paglaban para sa isang makatarungang bansa" in different parts of society.

Last March, #EveryWoman launched #BantayBastos campaign, which became a powerful tool in calling out on men, particularly among government officials, who deliberately make derogatory remarks against women.

In May, it was also a prime mover of #BabaeAko campaign to decry Mr. Duterte's sexist and misogynistic behaviour against Filipino women. Their online campaign earned them the recognition by Time Magazine as among "The 25 Most Influential People on the Internet."

A staunch defender of women's rights and gender equality, De Lima has authored and co-authored several bills and resolutions advocating women's rights, including Senate Bill No. 1438 focusing on the protection of women in state custody and Senate Resolution No. 670 calling for a Senate inquiry into the implementation of the GAD plans and programs under the present administration.