The Department of Education (DepEd) joins the nation in observing the 2024 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) from November 25 to December 12. Spearheaded by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) and supported by the Inter-Agency Council on Violence Against Women and their Children (IACVAWC), this annual campaign aligns with the global movement to eliminate gender-based violence and is rooted in local and international frameworks for gender equality and human rights.
Why This Campaign Matters
The 18-Day Campaign, an extension of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, highlights the critical importance of addressing violence against women as a public crime and human rights violation. Violence against women, recognized under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), encompasses acts of physical, sexual, and psychological harm that disproportionately affect women due to their gender.
The campaign theme for 2024, "UNiTEd for a VAW-free Philippines", underscores collective action towards a safer society, while the sub-theme, "VAW Bigyang-Wakas, Ngayon na ang Oras!", urges immediate action.
A Historical Context
The Philippines has made significant strides in combating VAW through legislation and institutional initiatives:
- RA 7877 (Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995)
- RA 9262 (Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004)
- RA 11313 (Safe Spaces Act of 2019)
These laws, alongside Presidential Proclamation No. 1172, institutionalize the campaign and reinforce the country’s commitment to eliminating VAW.
Key Objectives of the 2024 Campaign
This year’s campaign focuses on:
- Celebrating Two Decades of RA 9262: Highlighting the achievements of the Anti-VAWC Act.
- Raising Awareness: Educating communities on the forms and impacts of VAW.
- Promoting Prevention: Encouraging collaborative efforts to prevent gender-based violence.
- Empowering Survivors: Disseminating information on available support services.
- Launching the National Action Plan to End VAW (NAPEVAW): Establishing a roadmap for eliminating VAW.
DepEd’s Role in the Campaign
DepEd emphasizes the importance of advocacy within the education sector and invites all stakeholders, including public and private schools, to actively participate through:
- Awareness Programs: Including VAW-related discussions and the All-Women Cast Lupang Hinirang video in flag ceremonies.
- Visible Support: Displaying campaign banners and producing IEC materials.
- Online Advocacy: Using hashtags like #VAWfreePH and sharing campaign materials.
- Engaging Communities: Organizing orientations, discussions, and exhibits to educate and inspire action.
- Promoting Positive Masculinity: Highlighting the role of men as allies in the fight against VAW.
Call to Action
The fight against VAW requires collective effort. DepEd enjoins its offices, schools, and partners to actively contribute to creating a VAW-free Philippines. By fostering awareness, supporting survivors, and building safer spaces, we can make a tangible impact in ensuring gender equality and human rights for all.
Let us take this opportunity to unite and declare: "VAW Bigyang-Wakas, Ngayon na ang Oras!"
For more information on this year’s campaign, visit the PCW’s official platforms or contact the DepEd GAD Secretariat at gfps.secretariat@deped.gov.ph.