To raise awareness, foster community engagement, and advocate for stronger support systems for survivors of gender-based violence, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), and SM Cares have joined forces to kick off an 18-day campaign to end violence against women. The campaign began on Monday, Nov. 25.
During a lighting ceremony, the SM Mall of Asia Globe at Seaside Blvd. in Pasay City turned orange to highlight the critical importance of addressing this issue.
The 18-day campaign to end violence against women (VAW) calls on individuals and communities to take collective action toward creating a safer and more equitable environment for women across the Philippines.
This annual advocacy campaign takes place from Nov. 25 to Dec. 12, as mandated by Proclamation 1172 s. 2006.
2024 campaign
This year’s theme, "VAW Bigyang Wakas, Ngayon na ang Oras!" emphasizes the urgent need to end violence against women, marking the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Anti-VAWC Act of 2004 (RA 9262).
The 2024 campaign continues to align with the United Nations’ "UNiTE by 2030 to End VAW" initiative, which calls for immediate action and intensified efforts to implement comprehensive strategies aimed at ending violence against women and girls.
As the SM MOA Globe lit up in radiant orange, a video urging people to “Unite to End Violence Against Women” was displayed for one hour. Several other SM malls will also feature the video on their outdoor and indoor LED displays.
The event was attended by UN Philippines Resident Coordinator Gustavo González, UNFPA Philippines Country Representative Dr. Leila Saiji Joudane, Philippine Commission on Women Chairperson Ermelita V. Valdeavilla, and SM Cares Program Director for Women and Breastfeeding Mothers Pearl Jayagan Turley.
Powerful platform
Valdeavilla explained that since the Philippines joined the global campaign in 2002, it "has evolved into a powerful platform for raising awareness about the widespread prevalence of VAW."
Joudane, meanwhile, noted that though progress has been made in the country, "much work remains" despite strengthened legislation and increased partner engagement. "Now is the time to scale up our efforts," she said.
Turley reiterated the strong commitment of SM Cares in championing the cause to end VAW.
"Our malls are all-inclusive and safe spaces, where everyone is welcome," she said. "There is no place for violence against women and their children," she added.