Philippines march against duterte on international womens day
On International Women's Day, March 8, 2023, thousands of Filipinos took to the streets to protest against President Rodrigo Duterte's administration and its policies that have been criticized for being harmful to women's rights and human rights.
The protests, which were held in various cities across the Philippines, were organized by various women's rights groups, labor unions, and other organizations that have been critical of Duterte's administration. The protesters demanded an end to the administration's policies that have been seen as anti-women, including the reinstatement of the Reproductive Health Law, which was repealed by Duterte in 2017.
The protesters also called for an end to the administration's "war on drugs," which has been criticized for being a human rights violation and for disproportionately affecting poor and marginalized communities, including women. They also demanded an end to the administration's attacks on the media and the opposition, which have been seen as attempts to silence dissent and criticism.
The protests were peaceful, with protesters holding signs and banners that read "Women's rights are human rights" and "Stop the war on women." They also chanted slogans and sang songs to express their demands and frustrations.
The protests were met with a strong police presence, with officers in riot gear and armored vehicles deployed to maintain order. However, there were no reports of violence or arrests during the protests.
The protests were seen as a significant show of force against the Duterte administration, which has been criticized for its human rights record and its treatment of women. The protests were also seen as a celebration of women's rights and a call to action for greater gender equality and justice.
In a statement, the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) said that the protests were a "powerful expression of women's solidarity and determination to fight for their rights and dignity." The PCW also called on the government to take concrete steps to address the issues raised by the protesters, including the reinstatement of the Reproductive Health Law and the protection of women's rights.
The protests were also supported by international organizations, including the United Nations, which has been critical of the Duterte administration's human rights record. In a statement, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, Mary Lawlor, said that the protests were a "testament to the resilience and determination of women and human rights defenders in the Philippines."
Overall, the protests on International Women's Day were a significant show of force against the Duterte administration and a call to action for greater gender equality and justice. They highlighted the importance of protecting women's rights and human rights, and the need for greater accountability and transparency from the government.