In its effort to further strengthen the campaign to end violence against women and children, the University Gender Club proudly took part in the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) from November 25 to December 12 of this year.
This annual commemoration of the said advocacy aims to raise awareness among all stakeholders that VAW is a public issue of national concern. This movement is in line with the country’s goal to protect the human rights of women and its commitment to address all forms of VAW. Proclamation 1172 series of 2006 declares the 25th of November to the 12th of December as the 18-Day Campaign to end VAW and Republic Act 10398 (2013) declares the 25th of November of every year as National Consciousness day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Children (VAWC).
The campaign theme “VAW-free community starts with ME” promotes positive advocacy by giving emphasis on everyone’s commitment and contribution in ending VAW and in the community’s collaborative quest in building a VAW-free community.
The orange banners and flags found in every corners of the University or the Orange Your Icon for 18 days Advocacy Initiative is part of the call that 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 Department of Tourism and all stakeholders in the tourism industry together with the Philippine Commission on Women are partners for achieving a VAW-free community through safe and non-exploitative tourism activities.
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.
The Western Mindanao State University, through the Gender Research and Resource Center, has been an active partner of the country in promoting the fight against VAW.