Gender Watch Against Violence and Exploitation - GWAVE

01/10/2026

𝙃𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙞 𝙢𝙤 𝙠𝙖𝙨𝙖𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙣. 𝙒𝙖𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙪𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙖𝙮 𝙠𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙥𝙖𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙜-𝙖𝙗𝙪𝙨𝙤.

Sa paggunita ng 𝘼𝙣𝙩𝙞-𝙍𝙖𝙥𝙚 𝙇𝙖𝙬 𝙤𝙛 𝟏𝟗𝟗𝟕 (𝙍.𝘼. 𝟖𝟑𝟓𝟑) paalala na ang kasalanan ay laging nasa nang-abuso, kailanman ay 𝙃𝙄𝙉𝘿𝙄 sa victim-survivor.

Kung ikaw ay nakaranas o may nalalamang kaso ng pang-aabuso, hindi ka nag-iisa. Nandito ang PNP-WCPC para sa iyo.

26/09/2026

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐨𝐬?

𝐁𝐲: 𝐑𝐞𝐲𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐝 𝐂. 𝐃𝐨𝐭𝐞
𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐭 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐄𝐝)
𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫, 𝐀𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒 (𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐍𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲)

How are the Filipino women now a days? Can we say that women have already achieved equality with men? According to the Global Gender Gap Report 2025: The Philippines ranked 20th out of 148 countries, with a gender parity score of 78.1%. Filipino women have a labor force participation rate of 42.5% in Central Luzon compared to 71.3% for men. Many women are engaged in unpaid family work, highlighting the need for policies that promote equal economic opportunities. When women are empowered to participate in the workforce, it leads to increased productivity, contributing to the country’s economic growth. Empowering women helps reduce poverty rates, as they contribute to household incomes and make informed decisions about resource allocation. (PIA)

Filipino women’s health and education are crucial areas that require attention and improvement. Only 1% of Filipino women get tested for breast cancer, with the country having one of the lowest cancer screening rates globally. Approximately 59 pregnant women die every month, with poor transportation infrastructure and lack of high-quality facilities contributing to home deliveries and childbirth complications. Cases of teenage pregnancy have continuously increased from 2021 to 2023, with about 390 teenage girls giving birth daily in 2023, mostly resulting from statutory r**e. (UNFPA) With an improved health and education, women’s rights will lead to better health and education outcomes for families, particularly children, as women are often primary caregivers.

Filipino women face various stereotypes that impact their lives and opportunities. Traditional beliefs and cultural practices relegate women to secondary roles, hindering their progress and potential. The Philippines’ machismo culture reinforces strict gender roles, perpetuating male dominance and limiting space for gender equality. This culture has normalized discriminatory attitudes and emboldened sexism. Moreover, Filipino women experience high levels of violence and harassment, with 18% of women who had a husband or intimate partner reporting physical, sexual, economic & emotional violence. The functionality of the local Barangay VAW: Violence Against Women’s Desk especially on the issuance of the BPO: Barangay Protection Order; plays a significant role in safeguarding women’s right to safety. With proper coordination to the mandated authorities like the WCPD and DSWD; women and children’s rights will not be jeopardized. Advancing women’s rights challenges traditional stereotypes and promotes a more equitable society, fostering social cohesion and a sense of community. Strengthening laws and policies protecting women’s rights also benefits other vulnerable groups, such as children and marginalized sectors. Women’s participation in politics and leadership roles brings diverse perspectives, leading to more inclusive and representative decision-making.

Overall, while progress has been made, addressing the remaining disparities in economic participation, education, health, and political empowerment will be crucial to achieving greater gender equality in the Philippines. By promoting women’s rights with corresponding responsibilities, the Philippines can unlock the full potential of its citizens, leading to a more prosperous, equitable, and just society for all. Of course, this dream will not happen right away, it needs consistent monitoring and sustainable efforts both by our government authorities, civil society organizations and partner agencies with a unified advocacy for promoting peace, non-violence and gender equality. Before we end, try to ask yourself: Are my actions and best practices promote or demote women’s rights? How can I benefit from it?

29/08/2026

𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐨 𝐌𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐔𝐩 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬
𝐁𝐲: 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐨
𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐀𝐃 (𝐓𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐞𝐭𝐞) 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫

Every day in the Philippines, women and LGBTQ+ individuals walk the streets burdened by fear. The fear of catcalling, unwanted stares, or worse even sexual assault. This isn’t just a normal part of life; it’s harassment, and it's deeply rooted culture where many young Filipino men have been taught to stay silent or, laugh along. The truth is, we have a problem and if you’re a man, you’re a part of it whether you like it or not.

We have been raised to equate masculinity with dominance, loudness, and control. But we need to ask ourselves: what kind of man lets others feel unsafe just for existing in public? When we turn a blind eye to harassment or "Pambabastos," when we ignore a trans woman or a gay person being mocked at school, or even laugh when a friend makes a sexist joke. We’re not neutral but we as men here in the Philippines are complicit. It’s not enough to say “I don’t harass anyone.” The bar is too low if we think merely avoiding harm is admirable. Being a decent person isn’t a badge of honor but the baseline and standard of what we as men in society should be normalized as.

The real question is what are you doing to stop others from harming women and people in the LGBTQ+? We need to challenge our friends, especially when the group normalizes toxic and harmful behavior towards minorities. Call out when someone objectifies a woman. Interrupt when a friend mocks someone’s gender identity. You don’t need to start a fight to make a difference. A firm, simple line like, that is wrong or, “Sayop na” is often enough. If it feels unsafe to intervene directly in a harassment situation, you can still create a distraction, and seek help, or even check in with the person afterward. These small, yet moving practical steps are how we begin reclaiming our public spaces on the unsafe streets.

We need to redefine what it means to be a man because real strength doesn’t lie in overpowering others or asserting control, it lies in empathy, accountability, and standing up for those targeted, abused, or harassed. Too often, masculinity is treated like a performance for other men, where disrespect gets applause and silence is the easy route. But respect isn’t just about how you treat women you like or how you behave around your mom, it’s how you treat every person, regardless of gender identity, even when no one’s watching.

Imagine a street where women no longer grip their purses out of fear, and where LGBTQ+ youth walk without shrinking themselves. That future begins when we choose to become allies, not bystanders. A message to every young Filipino man, this is our moment to listen, unlearn, and act. Women and LGBTQ+ Filipinos have been speaking up for years, and it’s time we listen and back them up. Don’t wait for someone else to be the “good guy.” Be part of the movement the one who shifts the culture. Call out “Bastos” behavior, support safe spaces, and commit yourselves to unconditional respect, not just through words but also through actions. The streets won’t change overnight, but they will start to shift if we do. Let’s be the generation that breaks the cycle of silence, the generation that redefines what masculinity means, and a place where we confidently help our fellow Filipino citizens.

28/08/2026

19/08/2026

𝐈𝐤𝐚-𝐋𝐢𝐦𝐚 𝐧𝐚 𝐬𝐚 𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐀𝐃

Since 2018, TAGAD has stood against gender-based violence and raising young men who understand that true strength means accountability, respect, and action.

The Teen Advocates for Gender Awareness in Dumaguete (TAGAD), in partnership with the Provincial Youth Development Office (PYDO), officially launches the 𝗠𝗲𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗩𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲-𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 (𝗠𝗩𝗙𝗖) 𝗦𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝟱 𝗢𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 on August 21–22, 2026, at the Legislative Building, Provincial Capitol, Dumaguete City.
Incoming Batch 5 recruits will take part in sessions on 𝙂𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙎𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙩𝙮, 𝙋𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙈𝙖𝙨𝙘𝙪𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮, 𝙍𝙚𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙂𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧-𝘽𝙖𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙑𝙞𝙤𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙇𝙖𝙬𝙨, equipping them with the knowledge and courage to become advocates for safer, more equal communities.

This is more than a seminar. It is a call to step up, speak out, and take responsibility.

𝑨𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒏𝒈𝒂 𝒑𝒂𝒈𝒃𝒂𝒈-𝒐 𝒏𝒂𝒈𝒔𝒖𝒈𝒐𝒅 𝒔𝒂 𝒑𝒂𝒈-𝑻𝑨𝑮𝑨𝑫.

𝐈𝐤𝐚-𝐋𝐢𝐦𝐚 𝐧𝐚 𝐬𝐚 𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐀𝐃

Since 2018, TAGAD has stood against gender-based violence and raising young men who understand that true strength means accountability, respect, and action.

The Teen Advocates for Gender Awareness in Dumaguete (TAGAD), in partnership with the Provincial Youth Development Office (PYDO), officially launches the
𝗠𝗲𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗩𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲-𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 (𝗠𝗩𝗙𝗖) 𝗦𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝟱 𝗢𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
on August 21–22, 2026, at the Legislative Building, Provincial Capitol, Dumaguete City.

Incoming Batch 5 recruits will take part in sessions on 𝙂𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙎𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙩𝙮, 𝙋𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙈𝙖𝙨𝙘𝙪𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮, 𝙍𝙚𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙂𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧-𝘽𝙖𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙑𝙞𝙤𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙇𝙖𝙬𝙨, equipping them with the knowledge and courage to become advocates for safer, more equal communities.

This is more than a seminar. It is a call to step up, speak out, and take responsibility.

𝑨𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒏𝒈𝒂 𝒑𝒂𝒈𝒃𝒂𝒈-𝒐 𝒏𝒂𝒈𝒔𝒖𝒈𝒐𝒅 𝒔𝒂 𝒑𝒂𝒈-𝑻𝑨𝑮𝑨𝑫.

13/08/2026

Today, our hearts are full as GWAVE (Gender Watch Against Violence and Exploitation) celebrates 23 years of service! 💙 For over two decades, we have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with survivors, advocating for justice, equality, and safe spaces for all. While the journey is far from over, our resolve to dismantle the systemic roots of exploitation and empower those most vulnerable remains stronger than ever.

We also know that we could never make this journey alone. To our wonderful partners, and community allies, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your unwavering collaboration, resources, and shared vision are the true accelerators of our cause. Here’s to 23 years of collective action, and to continuing this mission together until our communities can live free from fear and violence. ✨

27/07/2026

𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐲𝐜𝐥𝐞: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐬𝐲𝐜𝐡𝐨-𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭, 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐡, 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐕𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞-𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐨 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬
𝐁𝐲: 𝐑𝐞𝐯. 𝐕𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐓𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐬, 𝐏𝐡𝐃

When I was a kid, there was a bully in my neighborhood. I was older than he, but he was physically bigger and stronger than I. I always dread the time when, on an errand, I had to pass by his house, as he would threaten me and punch me in the face. It was an ordeal to face him, and his presence would terrorize me. However, the bully, due to his aggressive and violent ways, was not the most popular kid on the block. Oftentimes, he was left out in the games we played, and nobody wanted to play with him. I was of a different nature. I was friendly with most kids, and even when I was already in high school, I still played with the younger kids and was the de facto leader in my neighborhood. It was always a hassle for me if there were fights, especially with the boys, and as much as possible, I avoided conflicts, preferring to be friendly with everyone.

One day, as we were starting a game, we could not begin because we were one kid short. Seeing the bully around, I invited him to play with us. I did not know what came over me during that time, but in order to have fun and start our game, we needed someone to play with us. Despite the animosity and obvious fear towards the bully, it did not stop me from inviting him over so all of us kids could start our game and have fun. Eventually, the bully became my friend, and even when the adults began coaxing us to fight one another for their amusement, he would always say that it was not a fair fight, as he was physically bigger than I.

Eventually, I found out why he was violent. His parents are separated, and his mother used to beat him when he misbehaved or did not follow her commands. As he cannot fight against her mother, he probably used all his pent-up energy on beating kids smaller than him. I believed his violent tendencies were learned at home and applied to the other kids who could not fight back.

Reflecting on this incident, the key to overcoming violence begins at home. Children begin to learn and adapt in their primary home environment. While no one can have a perfect family atmosphere, if my neighborhood bully had not been beaten by his mother so often, he might not have learned to be violent. Still, we cannot choose who are parents are, just as the bully was in an unfortunate circumstance of a toxic home environment, the community around him can still make a difference. I believe I was just an instrument in his development, but a community where everyone is needed, and how friends can have a positive influence in overcoming violent tendencies. This is just an example of how kids learn and unlearn habits during play. While at the beginning the bully, due to his violent tendencies, was shunned by the other kids, being invited to join by no less than the victim gave him the opportunity to adapt to a more positive behavior.

Looking back, I never really knew why he stopped bullying me. Maybe because he recognized the influence I had on the other kids and decided to be nice so he could continue to be part of the group of playmates. Perhaps he recognized the fear I felt when he started bullying me, which is the same fear when an adult beat him up. It could also be true in my case, despite the fear I felt towards the bully, seeing him all alone, unable to play with the kids, allowed me to have compassion and gave me the courage to invite him into our game. The opportunity to empathize with each other’s pain is a critical key component in a violence-free community. Where the bully and the victim can see themselves in the other and break free from the cycle of violence. In the end, we all have the potential to become bullies and victims. It is only when connecting on a deeper level of awareness of who we are in relation to the other that we can develop genuine empathy with one another.

17/07/2026

Unsa man gud ang epekto kung sulayan sa mga lalaki ang Positive Masculinity?

Paminawa ug lantawa ang full episode sa La Guys Podcast sa atoang GWAVE ADVOCACY YOUTUBE CHANNEL:
https://youtu.be/pzd8UIjXg_k
https://youtu.be/pzd8UIjXg_k
https://youtu.be/pzd8UIjXg_k