Ifugao State University (IFSU), through its Gender and Development Research and Resource Center (GADRRC), spearheaded a timely symposium on Violence Against Women (VAW) and the crucial role of social institutions in curbing it. Held on November 28, 2023, at the Luis Hora Gymnasium, the event aligned with the 18-Day Campaign to End VAW, carrying the powerful theme: "UNITEd for a VAW-free PH."

Seasoned social worker Ms. Joseline "Joyce" P. Niwane, drawing from her 39 years of experience and distinguished tenure as former DSWD Undersecretary, shed light on the institutions shaping gender roles and socialization. These include family and community, schools, workplaces, churches, media (television, radio, and print), and social media.

Ms. Niwane delved into the processes of gender socialization within families,       highlighting manipulation, canalization, verbal labeling, and activity exposures. She further discussed the manifestations of gender bias, emphasizing its potential to marginalize and exploit women economically, limit their access to opportunities, and confine them to subordinate roles.

The impact of gender bias extends far beyond economic and social limitations. Ms. Niwane emphasized the detrimental effects on self-esteem and the lack of control victims often experience. Violence, both physical and psychological, leaves lasting scars on the mind and spirit.

Empowering students is key to breaking the cycle of VAW. Ms. Niwane stressed the importance of fostering welfare, access to resources, critical awareness, participation, and individual control. She outlined actionable steps towards ending VAW, urging participants to: Speak up and break the silence, Educate themselves, Call out Abuse, Challenge harmful stereotypes, Redefine masculinity and move beyond limiting gender roles, Support women's organizations, Develop programs for perpetrators, Demand better responses and services, Push for stronger laws, Promote women's leadership, and Build solidarity.

Mr. Christian M. Salazar, Officer-in-Charge of the Cybercrime Policy and Plans Division (CPPD) of the Department of Information and Communications Technology - Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (DICT-CICC), focused on cyberviolence against women, particularly Gender-Based Online Sexual Harassment (GBOSH) as defined by Republic Act 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act.

Mr. Salazar outlined the various forms of GBOSH, including: Online threats and harassment using misogynistic, transphobic, homophobic, and sexist language; Cyberstalking and incessant messaging; Sharing non-consensual intimate photos, videos, or voice recordings; Unauthorized recording and sharing of personal information online; Online impersonation or spreading lies to damage someone's reputation; and Filing false abuse reports to silence victims.

The Safe Spaces Act's reach covers beyond the digital realm, encompassing all forms of sexual harassment in public spaces, workplaces, and educational institutions.

The symposium, attended by over a hundred students from the Bachelor of Social Work and Bachelor of Science in Information Technology programs, as well as representatives from local government units and church groups, served as a valuable platform for raising awareness, sparking crucial conversations, and empowering future social workers, IT professionals, and church leaders to play an active role in creating a VAW-free Philippines. // Faith B. Napudo