PCW and DDB’s ‘Menstruation Matters’ bags Anvil gold


Another initiative of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) and advertising agency DDB Group Philippines has won an award for the advocacy on good menstrual hygiene, its effects on women and girls’ lives, and in building their self-esteem, health, and productivity at work and at school.

#MenstruationMatters, a campaign in support of the International Menstrual Hygiene Day spearheaded by the PCW, the Department of Health (DOH), DDB Group Philippines, and sanitary pad brand Modess, bagged a gold award during the 53rd Anvil Awards held last March 23 in Taguig City.

Anvil Awards is bestowed by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines to exceptional public relations programs or tools that address critical issues in the country.

“We are glad to learn that our advocacy efforts in promoting the health and well-being of women and girls are being recognized. It inspires us to continually improve and seek innovative ways so that our advocacy reaches the people especially women and young girls,” said PCW Executive Director Emmeline L. Verzosa.

“PCW believes that partnerships with government and the private sector is the way to go for more effective and creative messaging to the public. We hope to see more private institutions get involved in pushing for the empowerment of women and girls in all spheres of life,” Verzosa added.

The #MenstruationMatters Campaign was launched through a series of social media posts on myths surrounding menstruation with an invitation to attend “#MenstruationMatters: A Forum on Women’s Health.” Over 200 individuals comprised mainly of young people, parents, and guardians attended the Forum held in May 2017 at the University of the Philippines Manila. The forum became a venue for health and education experts to discuss and promote menstrual hygiene management and to likewise debunk myths and misconceptions on menstruation.

Said activity is part of the country’s first initiative in support of the International Menstrual Hygiene Day on May 28. Started in 2014, the international observance is being spearheaded by WASH United to promote awareness of the challenges that women and girls worldwide face due to their menstruation and to highlight solutions that address these challenges, including through media work.

This is not the first time when PCW and DDB’s collaboration was recognized. In 2016, a campaign on Violence Against Women (VAW) titled #KnockOutDomesticViolence bagged Asia Pacific Tambuli Bronze Award for Integrated Media Category.

PCW and DDB has also worked in other advocacy projects including #NoMoreHidingCampaign that was launched in 2016.