Identifying Factors Affecting the Establishment and Maintenance of the Women’s Desk in Barangay Krus na Ligas

Violence against Women is a prevalent social issue women face today. It encompasses all social classes all over the world. Much attention has been given to this issue these past years and women advocates all over the world have been advocating this problem. Here in the Philippines, the fight against VA W is just beginning. The passing of the Anti- Violence against Women and their children Law or RA 9262 is a huge step in combating VA W although it is still a long way to go. Included in the RA 9262 is the creation of a women’s desk in the barangay to receive complaints from victims of VAW.

The focus of this study is the women’s desk in Barangay Krus na Ligas in Quezon City. Working together in the establishment and maintenance of the women’s desk are the Quezon City Gender and Development Office, Kababaihan Laban sa Karahasan Foundation (KALAKASAN) and the Krus na Ligas Barangay Council. Using the conceptual framework, this study aims to identify the factors involved in the operations of the women’s desk since its inception in March 2004.

One year after the establishment of the women’s desk in Barangay Krus na Ligas, the women are more aware of their rights although gender prejudices are still prevalent in the community. Even inside the barangay, this chauvinism is seen that it affects the proper administration of the women’s desk. In-depth training of KALAKASAN and heightened advocacy of the barangay must be done to ensure the effectiveness of the women’s desk gender program in the Barangay Krus na Ligas.