In observance of the National Consciousness Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25, Pres. Rodrigo Duterte released a message calling for “greater public awareness on the issues faced by this sector.” November 25 marks the beginning of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW).
The campaign is observed every year from November 25 to December 12 as a way to address VAW, “one of the country’s pervasive social problems.” According to the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), it’s “not just a major public health problem but also a grave violation of human rights.”
PCW shared advice on how different groups can help end VAW:
- Women and girls: Know your rights, speak out, and encourage others to fight for their rights.
- Men and boys: Respect women and girls, support anti-VAW efforts, and enlighten others.
- Government agencies: Take part in trainings, improve monitoring, and inform the public of available services.
- Barangay: Have a functional Barangay VAW Desk and take proactive steps.
- Private sector: Create VAW Action Desks and implement rules to make the workplace VAW-free.
- Academe or training institutions: Promote anti-VAW awareness and set up committees where victims can get help.
To promote the campaign, the PCW has these activities lined up:
- 2019 Youth Forum on VAW on November 25, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Philippine International Convention Center, Pasay City
- Anti-VAW Expo 2019 from November 27 to 29, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts, Quezon City
- Cine Juana Digital Shorts Competition with an awarding ceremony on November 25
- 18-Day Online Campaign using the hashtag #VAWFreePH and the Orange Your Icon initiative
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