2020 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women

20 Nov 2020 4:49 PM

“1 in 4 Filipino women, aged 15-49, has experienced physical, emotional or sexual violence from their husband or partner,” this is based on the National Demographic Health Survey 2017, released by the Philippine Statistics Authority.

Violence against women (VAW) is a grave violation of women’s rights and fundamental freedoms. It manifests deep-seated discrimination and gender inequality and continues to be one of the country’s perennial social problems. Therefore, various measures and mechanisms have been employed and implemented to address it. One of which is the 18-Day Campaign to End VAW, an advocacy campaign that is observed annually from November 25 to December 12 as mandated by Proclamation 1172 s. 2006

This year’s campaign highlights the role and essence of the Barangay, as part of a VAW-free community, in consonance with the recurring theme “VAW-free community starts with Me”. Aside from capacitating VAW Desk Officers and other barangay officials on how to handle VAW/GBC cases, the campaign reiterates everyone’s commitment and contributions on ending VAW and calls on the general public to make a personal commitment to end violence against women and children.

Relative to this, the PCW enjoins government agencies to conduct any of the following activities:

A. 2020 Online Talakayan towards VAW-free Barangays - Adapting to the new normal, the PCW reaches out to the stakeholders through virtual platforms by launching an Online Talakayan series which will be comprised of talakayan on sexual harassment, the Safe Spaces Act, and laws against trafficking in persons.

B. Distribution of IEC materials - These will include primers, brochures, and posters with information on forms of VAW, actions to be taken in case of a VAW incident, and hotline numbers of service provider

C. VAW Puppet web series – This online series which aims to disseminate the essential messages and information on VAW shared through stories and characters, will be released on PCW’s official Facebook and YouTube accounts.

D. Orange Your Icon for 18 Days - This creative initiative enjoins stakeholders to signify their support to the campaign to end VAW by adorning their “landmarks” or “iconic spots” with orange.

E. 18-Day Campaign Online Campaign Thread – The PCW enjoins everyone to upload photos, news features, and other information relative to 18-Day Campaign to End VAW in social media accounts using the official hashtag: #VAWFreePH and making their posts public to generate traction online, and the use of 18-Day Campaign to End VAW Facebook Profile Frame available through the PCW FB page.

For more information, please visit the Philippine Commission on Women’s website at https://pcw.gov.ph/ and Facebook Page at https://web.facebook.com/PCWgovph.