PCW launches ‘experiential museum’ on Violence Against Women

In time for this year’s observance of the 18-Day Campaign To End Violence Against Women (VAW), the Philippine Commission on Women, in partnership with other government agencies, launched a three-day interactive museum on November 24, 2017, at the PETA Theatre in Quezon City.

The “VAW Experiential Museum” puts on stage UST’s Artistang  Artlets, MAPUA Tekno Teatro, and Youth Advocates Through Theater Arts (YATTA) of Dumaguete, under the supervision of the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) to illustrate through theater arts the struggles of women who were abused in the home, workplace, streets, and online.

Viewers are expected to be moved with their senses stimulated as they see, hear, and feel up-close how VAW happens in various places like schools, offices, public places, online, communities, and even at home. It is hoped that this experience will help viewers recognize the issue, develop their compassion for victim-survivors, and generate a commitment to never commit, condone, or remain silent about VAW.

The experiential museum will run from November 24 to 26 and will have three daily screenings: 1st screening – 10:00 AM – 12:00 NN, 2nd screening – 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM, and 3rd screening – 4:00-6:00 PM.

In a statement, PCW Executive Director Emmeline L. Verzosa said that compassion for victim-survivors and respect for the rights of women and girls are essential in achieving a VAW-free community.

“Compassion is beyond sympathizing. It is knowing and understanding the situations of victim-survivors. Apathy promotes a culture of violence, and our lack of caring causes victims to suffer in silence.

Violence against women is no longer a private matter. VAW affects one’s personhood, one’s work, and one’s community involvement. We can all do our share to care and act. And show that a ‘Violence against Women-free community starts with me!’” she added.

The VAW Experiential Museum is open to the public for free.