To support the 18-day campaign to end Violence Against Women (VAW), an exhibit opened on Monday, Dec. 4, to raise awareness about the prevalence of VAW and to prompt actions to end it.

The United Nations (UN) Gender Thematic Group (GTG) partnered with the Office of Senator Pia Cayetano and opened an exhibit called “Walk in Her Shoes.”

Through the exhibit, the organizers hoped to tell visitors "to put themselves in the shoes of these women." To run until Dec. 12, the exhibit aimed to present stories of different women and unveil the types of gender-based violence they are experiencing.

"Violence against women is a persistent, widespread, and worsening global crisis that demands immediate action," said Dr. Leila Joudane, Country Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and chair of the UN GTG.

"It is rooted in structural injustice and fueled by a male-dominated culture that denies women equality," Joudane added.

UNFPA said it also fights gender-based violence through sexuality education and multi-sectoral work; ensuring that women have access to "survivor-centered services" by collaborating with government agencies and organizations; and to equip youth with resources to prompt awareness about VAW.

Meanwhile, UNFPA said Cayetano, as a supporter of the campaign, had made various laws to secure the safety of women and children from different types of violence including the Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710) and the National Consciousness Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women & Children (RA 10398).

"Through the support of Senator Cayetano, the exhibit is easily accessible to legislators and policymakers, who play a crucial role in creating an enabling environment for women and girls to realize their full potential," UNFPA said.