Every year from November 25 to December 12, the Philippines joins the world in the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW)—a nationwide movement uniting Filipinos towards ending gender-based violence and upholding women’s human rights.
For 2025, the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) intensifies its call: a whole-of-nation approach, involving youth, men, local leaders, bystanders, and communities to collectively build a VAW-free Philippines.
Understanding the Urgency: Violence Against Women in Numbers
Violence against women remains a global human rights crisis. According to UN Women, nearly 1 in 3 women—736 million worldwide—have experienced physical or sexual violence. In 2023 alone, an estimated 51,100 women and girls were killed by intimate partners or family members.
In the Philippines, the 2022 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) revealed that 18% of ever-married Filipinas aged 15–49 have suffered from physical, emotional, or sexual violence. That’s about 4.8 million women whose experiences must be heard, acknowledged, and addressed.
Despite being ranked as Asia’s most gender-equal country by the World Economic Forum, violence against women persists—and demands urgent, sustained action.
A Strong Legal Foundation for Ending VAW
The Philippines has long championed women’s rights, starting with its participation in the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence in 2003. The country expanded this to 18 days in 2006 through Proclamation 1172 and strengthened it further with Republic Act 10398, declaring November 25 as the National Consciousness Day for the Elimination of VAWC.
Under the law, government agencies, LGUs, schools, publishers, media networks, and the private sector must promote awareness, conduct activities, and mainstream gender advocacy nationwide.
Campaign Theme (2022–2027): “UNiTEd for a VAW-Free Philippines”
Aligned with the UN Women initiative “UNiTE by 2030 to End Violence Against Women,” the campaign highlights the power of collective effort. True progress requires collaboration—from policymakers to communities, fathers to teachers, students to corporate leaders.
For 2025, the spotlight is on a whole-of-nation mobilization, with key objectives:
2025 Campaign Objectives
✔ Accelerate the National Action Plan to End Violence Against Women, especially at the local level
✔ Mobilize youth as advocates and changemakers
✔ Empower men to be proactive allies
✔ Encourage bystanders to intervene safely
✔ Mainstream VAW prevention across sectors using systemic, policy-driven approaches
PCW-Led 2025 Activities: Raising Awareness, Building Allies
Here are this year’s major national activities:
1. Youth Forum Against VAW
Engaging student leaders, SK officials, organizations, and school counselors to discuss VAW roots, male involvement, digital safety, and anti-VAW programs in schools.
2. Compendium of IEC Materials
A published booklet of key anti-VAW educational resources for nationwide use.
3. Media Engagement
A press conference launching the 2025 campaign, highlighting roles of youth, men, and local leaders.
4. “Do the Macho Choir” Challenge
A creative social media call to reinterpret the original anti-catcalling radio plugs.
5. #MrRespeto Challenge
A digital movement encouraging Filipino men and boys to model positive masculinity.
6. #HowToEndVAW Commitment Movement
Everyone is encouraged to post photos doing the Stop VAW hand sign along with a personal pledge.
What Stakeholders Can Do: Suggested Activities
Organizations, LGUs, schools, NGOs, and private institutions may implement:
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Flag ceremony segments featuring VAW awareness materials
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Display of campaign banners in offices and public spaces
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Online sharing of official campaign media, videos, frames, and stickers
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#OrangeYourIcon – lighting up buildings/landmarks in orange
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The Orange Exhibit showcasing accomplishments against VAW
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Learning sessions, orientations, and public discussions on VAW laws
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Translation of IEC materials into local languages
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Public showing of PCW-produced videos
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Coordination of local activities for the 18-Day Campaign
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Submission of activities to be featured in the official national calendar
Stakeholders are encouraged to consistently use the official campaign hashtag:
👉 #VAWfreePH
Nonpartisan Commitment
The 18-Day Campaign is strictly nonpartisan. All stakeholders must avoid using official campaign materials for political promotion or personal gain. The focus must remain on women’s safety, empowerment, and human rights.
A Call to Action: Be Part of the Solution
Ending violence against women requires every Juan and Juana. Whether you’re a student, father, teacher, worker, leader, or community volunteer—your voice matters.
A VAW-free Philippines is achievable when we collectively act with courage, compassion, and conviction.
Let’s UNiTE for a safer, more inclusive Bagong Pilipinas.