The Union of People’s Lawyers in Mindanao in collaboration with Lunâ Legal Resource Center for Women and Children will be holding an online forum on the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic to Violence Against Women. As the world faces the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 Pandemic, it has not only exposed, but also worsened the living conditions of the oppressed and marginalized all around the world. Among the most affected during this time are frontline workers, healthcare workers, domestic care workers, farmers, the Indigenous Peoples, many of which are women. Although the pandemic has halted many activities of our everyday life, it has not put an end to gender-based violence and has even aggravated the already rampant violations of human rights. All of these pressing issues are highlighted in the face of climate change, the result of the exploitation of the earth itself.

The One Billion Rising 2021 Campaign to grow and create Rising Gardens is as relevant as ever as it calls to honor and celebrate women workers and to protect the earth, both of which have been the victims of on-going violence, abuse, and exploitation.

The discussion and launch will expound on the OBR 2021 Campaign theme and how this relates to our current situation under the pandemic and the incidence of VAW