Be fit to fight VAW: Starting the 18-day campaign with a kick

Manila, November 24, 2010 – A self-defense session and live martial arts demonstration for women will jumpstart this year’s 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW). A crowd of 1000 – 2000 female high school and college students is projected to fill Mendiola Street on November 25 for the “Be Fit to Fight VAW: Self Defense for Women” kick off activity.

Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) Executive Director Emmeline Verzosa said the kick-off activity seeks to educate students, especially young girls, on self-defense against common crimes and gender-based violence because they are most vulnerable to physical and sexual abuses. Moreover, she said the activity will create awareness among school officials, students, and the general public on the different forms of violence experienced by women and girls.

Optical Media Board (OMB) Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Ronald “Ronnie” Ricketts and 30 members of “Bakbakan International” team will provide a demonstration on basic self-defense and teach the students basic skills. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Special Services Unit will also give a martial arts and Arnis live demonstration.

The 2010 18-Day Campaign to End VAW, which runs from November 25 – December 12, is spearheaded by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), in partnership with the Inter-Agency Council on Violence Against Women and Their Children (IACVAWC) and the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT).