2016 18-Day Campaign to End VAW


The Philippine Campaign

The Philippine government has participated in this worldwide campaign to eliminate VAW since 2002. Recognizing that human trafficking is a form of VAW, Presidential Proclamation 1172 s. 2006 extended the national campaign to 18 days, to include December 12, a historic date that marked the start of opening for signature in year 2000 of the UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, supplementing the UN Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime.



Theme

With the theme “VAW-free community starts with Me”, shifts the campaign to positive advocacy messaging,  by giving emphasis on everyone’s commitment and contributions in ending VAW, and our collaborative pursuit of our common vision of a VAW-free community.


Reality Check: VAW in Numbers

  • in 5 women experienced physical violence since age 15 (2013 NDH Survey among women aged 15-49)
  • 6 in 100 women reported having experienced sexual violence (2013 NDH Survey among women aged 15-49)
  • 4% of women experienced physical violence during pregnancy (2013 NDH Survey among women aged 15-49)
  • Only 3 of 10 women sought help to stop the violence (2013 NDH Survey among women aged 15-49)
  • A total of 30,872 cases of violations of RA 9262 were filed before the Philippine National Police from January to December 2015 (PNP WCPC 2015 Report)
  • From January to September 2016, at total of 27,403 incidents of violations of RA 9262 were reported to the PNP, broken down as follows: 18,413 cases of physical abuse; 127 cases of sexual abuse; 6,884 cases of psychological abuse; and 1979 cases of economic abuse (PNP WCPC 2016 Report)
  • As of September 2016, 37,044 out of the 42,029 barangays (88 percent) have already established their Barangay VAW Desks (DILG)

“Me”

Aiming to “individualize” and make the people “own” the campaign, the PCW personified the “Me” in the 2016 theme and provided each with corresponding core messages:

  • From the perspective of a woman – I know my rights and I will not allow anyone to violate it. I won’t allow myself to become a victim of violence and I know what to do, where to go and whom to go to in case it happens.
  • From the perspective of a man/boy – I respect women and girls and I won’t be an instrument in committing violence against women and children. I will be a positive influence to other men and boys in building a community that is respectful of everyone’s right to be free from abuse and violence.
  • From the perspective of a government agency – We are staunch advocates of Anti-VAWC. We will continue to provide and improve our services for our clients so that they can live a life that is free from VAW.
  • From the perspective of a barangay – Being the smallest unit of government closest to the communities, we are doing our share in attaining our vision of VAWC-free community. Our Barangay VAW Desk is functional and residents of our Barangay are aware of anti-VAW laws.
  • From the perspective of private sector and non-government organization– We support the efforts of the government and our immediate community in addressing violence against women and girls. We will continue to foster collaboration in ensuring that there will be zero tolerance to VAW, and initiate efforts within our means to help address the issue when it happens.
  • From the academe/training institutions – We foster an environment that does not only nurture the minds and intellects of our students, faculty and staffers, but also ensures their safety from abuses, especially against women and children. We have mechanisms in the campus like a Committee on Decorum and Investigation (CODI) where students, faculty and employees can seek help.


Campaign Activities


18-Day Campaign to End VAW Kick-off Activity: “VAW-free Community Starts with Me” – 25 November 2016, 9 AM; Reception Hall, Philippine International Convention Center

The 18-Day Campaign To End VAW Kick-Off Activity will serve as a venue to launch and re-ignite the commitment of individuals and institutions from various sectors in pursuing Anti-VAW efforts. This event will also serve as an opportunity to share the good practices of government agencies, local government units and other stakeholders on their anti-VAWC programs through discussions and creative engagements. Expected to grace the opening program as Keynote Speaker is Vice President Ma. Leonor “Leni” G. Robredo.

The second part of the program will feature videos and informances by the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA), with singer-songwriter Noel Cabangon.


Orange Your Icon Advocacy Initiative – 25 November to 12 December 2016

The Orange Your Icon for 18 Days Advocacy Initiative, is a collaboration between the Department of Tourism and its attached agencies, and the Philippine Commission on Women. This initiative aims to raise awareness and consciousness in ending VAW through “oranging” famous and prominent tourism sites or attractions in the country. This creative advocacy effort also hopes to convey a message that the DOT, together with its stakeholders in the tourism industry are partners for achieving a VAW-free community through safe and non-exploitative tourism activities.
Everyone is encouraged to support the initiative by “oranging” their own neighborhood.

DOT-designated Sites for Orange Your Icon For 18 Days


Paralegal Training on VAW for CHED Central and Regional GAD Focal Persons to effectively implement RA 7877, RA 9462 and RA 9710 in all HEIs – November 29, 2016 (organized by the Commission on Higher Education)

This one-day training will capacitate the CHED GAD Focals on the legal procedures involved in assisting victims of VAW. The assistance to victims will not be limited to female but will also include male victims. The activity is supported by CHED’s co-convenors: Civil Service Commission, the Philippine Commission on Women, and the University of the Philippines College of Law.


Gender Sensitivity for Men/Organizing a Group of Male Advocates of CHED – December 1-2, 2016 (organized by the Commission on Higher Education)

This two-day training is designed to draw out the menfolk to talk about men issues in their relationships, family, career and psycho-social needs. It is also aimed at jumpstarting a group of men GAD advocates within the Commission, cascading down to the State Universities and Colleges, Local Universities and Colleges and the private higher education institutions.