Affiliations:
Public Administration Department, Northern Iloilo State University, Iloilo, Philippines
This study investigates the legal awareness and empowerment of women in rural areas of the Philippines, with particular focus on the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act (RA 9262). The legal rights of rural women and the misuse or lack of understanding of these rights remain important concerns. Although protective legal measures exist, many rural women have limited access to legal education, resources, and practical information. This situation reduces their ability to make informed decisions and to protect their social, economic, and legal rights, making them more vulnerable to abuse, violence, and gender discrimination. A mixed-methods approach was used in this study. Data were collected from 269 women in the 5th district of Iloilo. The quantitative phase involved a survey to assess the level of legal awareness, while the qualitative phase included focus group discussions to explore the practical impact of the law. The results show that although most respondents are aware of the existence of legal protections, they have limited understanding of specific forms of abuse covered by the law, particularly sexual and economic violence. The findings also indicate that education and income levels significantly influence legal awareness. The study concludes that legal education programs in rural communities are essential to improve women's awareness of their rights. In addition, efforts to eliminate violence against women and children should be supported by socioeconomic strategies, including promoting women's participation in livelihood programs and educational initiatives on gender-based violence.
Legal awareness, Women’s empowerment, Rural Philippines, Gender-based violence, Socioeconomic factors
https://doi.org/10.21833/ijaas.2026.04.002
Baco, I., Jr., & Baco, M. (2026). Knowledge and experiences of violence against women and children in rural Philippines: A mixed-methods study. International Journal of Advanced and Applied Sciences, 13(4), 7–15. https://doi.org/10.21833/ijaas.2026.04.002