Violence against women (VAW) is a global crisis, touching every corner of society—from homes to schools, workplaces, and public spaces. The Philippines, a pioneer in ASEAN for gender equality, continues to take bold steps to address this issue through nationwide advocacy. The 2025 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women, spearheaded by the Department of Education (DepEd), shines a spotlight on the urgent need to eliminate gender-based violence, empower survivors, and foster safer, inclusive communities.
This campaign, running from November 25 to December 12, 2025, under the theme “United for a VAW-Free Philippines,” unites educators, students, communities, and policymakers in a collaborative effort to confront this pressing issue.
Understanding Violence Against Women in the Philippines
Violence against women remains one of the most widespread human rights violations, with 4.9 million Filipinas aged 15–49 experiencing physical, sexual, or emotional violence from intimate partners, according to the 2022 National Demographic and Health Survey.
Schools, often viewed as safe spaces, are not immune. The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2019 reported that 65% of Filipino students have faced bullying, including significant gender-based differences: 43% of girls and 53% of boys have been bullied in school settings.
These statistics highlight the urgent need for gender-responsive education, safe learning environments, and community-wide advocacy to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 5, which focuses on gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls.
Historical Commitment: Philippines Leading ASEAN in Gender Equality
The fight against VAW is backed by decades of commitment. The United Nations General Assembly adopted the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women in 1979. The Philippines became the first ASEAN country to sign and ratify the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in 1981.
This history reflects the Philippines’ steadfast pledge to advance gender equality and human rights. The 2025 18-Day Campaign builds on this legacy, combining government, private institutions, and civil society efforts in one unified national action plan.
DepEd’s Role in the 2025 18-Day Campaign
As the lead agency overseeing basic education, DepEd plays a pivotal role in raising awareness about VAW. Guided by Presidential Proclamation No. 1172 (s. 2006), RA No. 10398, and DepEd Order No. 32, s. 2017, schools across the Philippines will engage in diverse activities aimed at education, advocacy, and empowerment.
The campaign adopts a whole-of-nation approach, mobilizing:
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Youth as changemakers
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Men as proactive allies
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Bystanders as empowered responders
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Local leaders as catalysts for policy-driven transformation
The goal is clear: fully eliminate gender-based violence, empower survivors, and promote justice.
Key Activities and Initiatives for the Campaign
Inclusion in Flag-Raising Ceremonies
Schools can integrate VAW-related presentations, videos, and prayers into daily flag-raising ceremonies. Examples include the All-Women Cast Lupang Hinirang video and the Prayer to End Violence Against Women.
Display of Campaign Banner
Participating offices and schools can print and display the official campaign banner, incorporating their logos for a personalized yet unified advocacy.
Online Participation and Hashtags
Digital engagement is central. Stakeholders can:
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Share official logos, banners, and videos online
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Post VAW-related news and articles using #VAWfreePH
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Use the 18-Day Campaign Facebook Profile Frame
This fosters nationwide awareness while encouraging U.S.-based audiences to engage in global solidarity campaigns.
#OrangeYourIcon Movement
Iconic buildings and landmarks light up in orange, symbolizing solidarity and awareness. This visually powerful campaign inspires public dialogue and makes advocacy visible.
The Orange Exhibit
The Orange Exhibit chronicles achievements in combating VAW. Schools and offices can curate their own exhibits, showcasing progress and initiatives within their communities.
Public Showings and IEC Materials
VAW-related videos, brochures, and educational materials are distributed and publicly displayed, ensuring wide outreach. Translation into major local languages ensures inclusivity and access for all community members.
Unity Walk for Ending VAW
Community-wide walks bring together learners, educators, parents, and local leaders to demonstrate solidarity and collective commitment to ending VAW.
Promoting Positive Masculinity
Campaigns also emphasize positive masculinity, encouraging men to play proactive roles in advocating for gender equality.
Central Office Initiatives
DepEd’s Central Office spearheads several high-impact activities:
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Online Kick-Off Activity: Interactive sessions via a Feminist Cafe, partnering with feminist organizations and advocates
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18 Araw, 18 Kaalaman Laban sa VAW: Daily insights on VAW delivered via email or newsletter
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Free Legal Consultation: Ensuring access to justice for VAW-related cases
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Shelf Care Nook: A dedicated reading space for VAW materials in DepEd offices
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DepEd MOVE Campaign: Encouraging male personnel to pledge against violence
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Unity Walk for End VAW: Culminating event to demonstrate collective commitment
Why the 18-Day Campaign Matters
This annual campaign is more than just a series of events—it’s a movement for change. By engaging communities, schools, and digital platforms, the campaign:
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Empowers survivors and supports victims
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Promotes justice and accountability
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Cultivates safe, inclusive learning and workplace environments
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Strengthens advocacy through creative and visual campaigns
It demonstrates that ending violence against women is a shared responsibility, from educators to policymakers to everyday citizens.
How You Can Support #VAWfreePH
Even from abroad, you can support this campaign:
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Share VAW-related articles and videos online
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Use hashtags like #VAWfreePH to amplify awareness
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Engage in conversations about gender equality and safety in learning environments
This global solidarity strengthens advocacy and helps raise awareness far beyond the Philippines’ borders.
The 2025 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women is a critical national initiative that empowers communities, educates youth, and mobilizes change agents at every level. From flag-raising ceremonies to social media campaigns, every action contributes to a VAW-free Philippines.
By supporting the campaign, advocating for survivors, and promoting gender equality, we move closer to a world where women and girls can live free from violence, fear, and discrimination.