Avon Philippines is holding its first online auction to shed light on this silent pandemic
One year under the world’s longest lockdown, Filipinos are still struggling against the threat of COVID-19. But aside from putting everyone’s health at risk, behind closed doors, this pandemic also exposes women to domestic abuse.
Reports have shown that, since the lockdown started, domestic violence cases have continuously been increasing. A National Demographic Health Survey records that one in four women has experienced abuse by their partner. While data from the Philippine National Police (PNP) Women & Children Protection Center says that at least one woman or child is abused every 10 minutes in the country.
Tammy De Roca, ‘Internal Reflections II‘ (2021), Diptych acrylic mixed media on canvas 
Cru Camara, ‘Untitled’ (2021), Photographic inkjet print on luster paper
To address this silent pandemic and to shed light on this alarming situation, Avon Philippines collaborated with 12 female Pinoy artists to roll out “#SpeakOut Art Collective” program.
It features the works of visual artists Denise Heredia, Nicole Concepcion, Ciane Xavier, Gabby Prado, Cru Camara, Tyang Karyel, Mara Fabella, Tammy De Roca, Bea Policarpio, and Bree Jonson. Musicians contributing their voices to the cause are Kiana Valenciano and Peaceful Gemini, through exclusive performances during the online launch happening on March 19, 2021 via Avon’s Facebook page.
Denise Heredia, ‘Both War and Woman’ (2021), Acrylic on canvas 
Nicole Concepcion, ‘Muse by the Window’ (2021), Charcoal on water color paper
“We call on everyone to go online and speak out against domestic violence,” says Razvan Diratian, general manager of Avon Philippines. “Through this effort, we are hoping to spark more conversations and increase more awareness on the realities of domestic abuse caused by the isolation. We want to let survivors know that they are never alone.”
The 14 contemporary works from this all-female lineup will be part of an auction. Proceeds will go to four non-profit organizations for women namely Luna Legal Resource Center for Women and Children, Gender Watch Against Violence and Exploitation (GWAVE), Women’s Care Center Inc. (WCCI), and Ing Makakabying Aksyon (IMA) Foundation.