Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman on Tuesday said violence against women (VAW) is a “significant impediment” to socioeconomic development.

Pangandaman issued the statement as the country observes the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women.

“As a staunch advocate of women empowerment, gender equality and children’s rights, I stand firm in my belief that VAW is a profound violation of human rights, a barrier to gender equality, and a significant impediment to socioeconomic development,” Pangandaman said.

“It takes many forms, resulting in physical, sexual, and emotional harm to women,” she added.

The 18-Day Campaign to End VAW, declared under Proclamation 1172, is observed annually from Nov. 25 to Dec. 12.

Citing the 2022 National Demographic and Health Survey, the budget chief said 17.5 percent of Filipino women aged 15-49 have experienced any form of violence from their intimate partners.

Meanwhile, there were 8,399 reported cases of physical violence, 1,791 cases of rape, and 1,505 cases of acts of lasciviousness in 2021.

This, according to Pangandaman, “serves as a painful reminder of the work that lies ahead.”

“Hence, let us remember that our commitment to ending violence against women must extend beyond rhetoric. It requires us to take concrete actions to address the root causes that perpetuate this insidious cycle of violence,” Pangandaman said.

She then called on the public not to condone or tolerate any excuse for VAW.

“We must continue fostering an environment where women feel safe and empowered because VAW has no place in our society,” she said.

“During this 18-day campaign, let us unite in our commitment to creating a world where women can live free from fear and where their potential can be fully realized,” she added.

Pangandaman has been at the forefront of the government’s efforts for women empowerment.

She led the country’s delegation in the 68th annual Commission on the Status of Women earlier this year and was a prominent figure in the recently-held International Conference on Women, Peace, and Security in Manila. (PNA)