Gov’t, private firms urged to help curb violence vs women, children
The Zero VAWC Alliance holds a media forum entitled “End the Corporate Culture of Silence on Domestic Violence” on Monday, February 3, 2025, at the University of the Philippines Center for Women’s and Gender Studies. Jown Manalo/黑料社
MANILA, Philippines — A women’s rights advocacy group has challenged corporations and businesses to “walk their talk” in addressing domestic violence within leadership and corporate spaces.
In a forum on Monday, the newly formed Zero VAWC Alliance emphasized that corporations, professional organizations, and even the government must acknowledge domestic violence as a “systemic issue that requires clear policies, confidential reporting mechanisms, and genuine survivor support.”
“Companies have a duty to uphold ethical standards and promote social responsibility. Addressing domestic violence aligns with these values and can contribute to broader societal efforts to eliminate this issue,” artist and Babae Ako co-founder Mae Paner said on behalf of the group.
The Zero VAWC Alliance includes notable personalities such as:
- Mae Paner, artist and Babae Ako co-founder
- Judy Taguiwalo, former Social Welfare secretary
- Nikki Coseteng, former senator and representative
- Emmi de Jesus and Gert Libang, Gabriela Women’s Party-list
- Inday Espina-Verona, multi-awarded journalist and Babae Ako co-founder
- Monique Wilson, One Billion Rising global director
- Sr. Mary John Mananzan, OSB educator
- Edna Aquino, human rights advocate and Babae Ako co-founder
Paner cited the case of Noel Bonoan as an example of why corporations must take responsibility for preventing violence against women and children.
Article continues after this advertisementBonoan, a former finance undersecretary, was elected in 2024.
Article continues after this advertisementHe later withdrew from the position after allegations of domestic abuse surfaced.
“Women’s rights advocates raised documented acts of domestic violence to challenge MAP over Bonoan’s election. MAP responded by announcing his withdrawal. But the tenor was off. It portrayed the executive as a hero who ‘placed our organization’s best interests above personal considerations,’” Paner said.
“MAP ignored the very serious issue of domestic violence. It allowed Bonoan to retain his director’s seat. All for its ‘best interests,’” she added.
Paner pointed out that many corporations continue to turn a blind eye to domestic abuse, treating it as a “private matter” rather than a workplace concern.
“They focus on policies and actions on public ‘reputation risk,’ excluding ‘private matters’ from their policies,” she said.
With this, the Zero VAWC Alliance warned that ignoring the problem makes women workers more vulnerable, affecting their career growth and workplace safety.
“Perpetrators of domestic violence may bring their violent behavior to the workplace, creating a hostile and unsafe environment — not only for other employees but also for the public,” Paner explained.
The group, therefore, urged businesses to expand their gender and diversity policies to explicitly include domestic violence.
They also called for a zero-tolerance policy against domestic abuse in corporate governance protocols.
