GWAVE began as an informal group of women who came together in 2002 to support two young rural girls, who asked for assistance to file cases of rape.These were women who had previously already been active in women's rights issues.

In the course of their action, it became evident that social and structural difficulties stood in the way of effective access to the justice system for disadvantaged women and girls such as biases of the court system and social inequality of the victims. Soon other cases were also referred to the group for assistance and the need for longer-term commitment from the core group became apparent.

It was decided to formally organize GWAVE in 2003. GWAVE is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and licensed to operate by the Region VII Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). It also has accreditation with the national DSWD, the Province of Negros Oriental and with 8 municipalities and cities of the province.

GWAVE currently has five full-time staff and three part-time, including a lawyer and a social worker. GWAVE also avails of the services of three retained lawyers and a few pro bono lawyers.

Development Context affecting Women

The province of Negros Oriental depend primarily on agriculture, and in particular, sugar and coconut production for its economic base, employing large numbers of agricultural workers that include women and children. In spite of its crucial economic role however, the provincial government does not prioritize or adequately support agricultural development.

Very low wages, lack of social benefits, and seasonal (not permanent) work combine to keep these workers in poverty. Many more families rely on subsistence farming or fishing; moreover, families tend to have many children so that women are pregnant or occupied with childcare for years.

In a few urban centers, there are jobs in the commercial and service sectors where women figure prominently, but again, the legally-mandated wage levels are not met, and there is no tenure because of contractual terms of employment.

Many more women with low educational levels traditionally derive small incomes from household work or vending. The lack of employment opportunities leads young women to seek jobs in Manila or abroad, making them vulnerable to illegal recruiters and traffickers and to exploitative conditions of work

OUR LOCACATION

Network

Networking links GWAVE with local and national networks for collaborative efforts, resource and service sharing.

GWAVE consults and works closely with local governments, the community and concerned organizations.

GWAVE is part of the following networks:

• Provincial Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (PIACAT)
• Coalition Against Trafficking in Persons - Asia Pacific (CATW-AP)
• Negros Oriental Network of NGO's, Coops and People's Organizations (NEGORNET)
• Oriental Negros Children's Advocacy Network (ONCAN)
• Dumaguete Local Council for Women

Mission, Vision, Goal

Vision

GWAVE envisions a Philippine society where:

• Women and girls enjoy equality with men and a life ensured of safety;
• Communities cease to tolerate all forms of gender-based violence (GBV) and exploitation;
• State mechanisms at all levels perform more decisively and effectively to end GBV.

Mission

GWAVE seeks to promote gender justice.

Goals

• to make legal redress accessible and sensitive to survivors of GBV;
• to support and empower victim/survivors of GBV, especially socially and economically disadvantaged women and girls;
• to contribute to GBV prevention by promoting gender- responsiveness in the justice system;
• to raise awareness and increase community action on GBV;
• to strengthen partnerships with local governments, the legal community and concerned organizations.