‘One Billion Rising’ renews call to end violence, exploitation through dance

Women from different backgrounds on Thursday gathered to form a flash mob at Fishermall, Quezon City as part of the annual "One Billion Rising" protest, which calls for an end to violence against women and children, as well as an end to exploitation and fascism.

The mobilization was led by Gabriela Women's Party-list representative Emmi De Jesus, "One Billion Rising" global director Monique Wilson, and former Eat Bulaga dancer Sugar Mercado.

"Ang panawagan natin [ay] to end violence against women and children. Pero itong year na 'to, pang-limang year na, ang ating theme ay 'Rise against exploitation of women and children' pero ang panawagan din natin is rise for jobs, land, justice, and peace," Monique Wilson said in an interview with GMA News' State of the Nation. 

Gabriela also called for continuation of peace talks between the government and CPP-NPA-NDF. Joms Salvador of Gabriela Alliance said that the termination of peace talks would have a direct effect on the changes promised by the government especially now that social and economic reforms are being discussed.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza said that they will take guidance from President Rodrigo Duterte on the matter.

[Read more: Leftists in Cabinet to gov’t: Continue peace talks with Reds]

"Ang kapayapaan na 'to ay mangyayari lamang kung makakamit yung social justice at maaaddress yung root causes ng kahirapan at tsaka ng kaharasan na nararanasan ng kababaihan," Secretary General of Gabriela Alliance Joms Salvador said.

The "dance for just peace" was also done at the Polytechnic University in Sta. Mesa, RMT Compound in Muntinlupa, Youngstown Factory in Navatos, and in Robinsons Place Manila.

The main "One Billion Rising" program will be held on February 14 at Liwasanag Bonifacio. — Marlly Rome C. Bondoc / AT, GMA News