LocationsBy Julia Makalintal, Communications Intern
Marching Foward, Honoring Lives
November 30, 2024
Ann Sula, a transgender woman and member of the Cebu United Rainbow LGBT Sector Inc.
UNDP Philippines/Jilson Tiu
The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women takes place on November 25 and is globally commemorated with 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. The 16 Days of Activism provide a valuable opportunity for individuals and organizations to focus efforts toward ending all forms of gender-based violence in all environments and to include the voices of Transgender Women.
Violence against women and girls continues to be one of the most widespread and persistent human rights violations worldwide. Nearly one in three women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence at least once in their lifetime.
In 2023, at least 51,100 women lost their lives to gender-based violence, with the cycle ending with their murder at the hands of partners or family members. This means a woman was killed every 10 minutes.
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence follows the theme “UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls.” This campaign aims to eliminate all forms of gender-based violence and will spotlight the troubling rise of violence against women that affects them in all stages of their life. During this campaign, let us not forget also the courageous transgender women who have come before us and recommit ourselves to the ongoing fight and struggle to eliminate all forms of violence against women.
In 2023, the Philippines ranked 8th worldwide in terms of number of transgender people murdered worldwide. According to a study in the American Journal of Public Health (2021), transgender people are over four times more likely than cisgender people to be victims of violent crime.
As mentioned in the human rights situation of transgender people in the Philippines submission of the Society of Transsexual Women of the Philippines (STRAP) to the 13th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review, transgender individuals in the Philippines are among the most marginalized groups when it comes to human rights protection. Transpinays (trans women) and transpinoys (trans men) face significant challenges, including limited legal recognition, barriers to employment and healthcare, and difficulties accessing public services. They also struggle to seek justice when they are victims of violence or hate crimes.
In the 3rd Cycle of the Joint Submission of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) on the Situation of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, and Queer (LGTIQ) Persons in the Philippines, it was mentioned that violations of the rights of LGBTIQ persons persist and consistently remain undocumented.
Honoring the Filipino Transgender Women Who Have Come Before: A Tragic Reminder of the Fight for Justice
In the Philippines, there are several names that we remember to honor the struggle of the transgender community.
Jennifer Laude was a Filipina transgender woman that was tragically murdered by Joseph Scott Pemberton, a United Stated Marine.
Fifty-five-year-old Mary Jo Añonuevo was strangled and stabbed multiple times in the bar she owned in Lucena City.
In 2019, Jessa Remiendo, known as one of the kindest transwomen in Pangasinan, was brutally murdered in Bolinao Town.
These are only a few of the names we honor. Since 2010, at least 50 transgender or gender nonbinary individuals have been killed in the Philippines, though the actual number is likely much higher. We name our victims and keep their stories alive – to serve as a reminder of those that we have lost and to remind ourselves that we must march onward and fight for true justice – a world where all women can live freely, openly, and proudly.
Building a Future of Dignity and Justice
To build a world without barriers, we must address the unique challenges faced by each community and maximize effective strategies to raise awareness and inspire action. Stories, advocacy, and connection—these are all powerful tools for change.
We call on the youth—the next generation capable of collectively envisioning a future built on dignity, justice, and equality. We urge young people to harness new technologies and platforms to reach broader audiences, speak out on a global scale, and drive social change. Digital tools are indispensable; when used effectively, they have the power to empower and unite individuals and communities.
At the same time, we must advocate for meaningful policies and interventions that ensure women’s rights to safety and security. These policies must address the high rates of violence faced by women and ensure their rights are protected. We call on our lawmakers to take immediate and decisive action, ensuring that all persons can live free from fear.
During this 16-day campaign to eliminate gender-based violence, let us take a moment to pause – to honor the lives lost to violence against women and transphobia, while also reflecting on the ongoing struggles of all women. Let us continue to involve ourselves in local advocacy efforts by volunteering and lobbying for policies that protect women. Let us stay committed to finding concrete ways where we can be visible allies in fostering safe spaces in all aspects of life. Together, let us recommit to empowering all women and girls– with open arms, without barriers. [E]