The Institute for Labor Studies joined the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) kick-off activity last 25 November 2016 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Pasay City, Manila. With the theme, “VAW-free community starts with me,” around 3,000 women’s rights advocates from different government and private organizations symbolically waved their orange handkerchiefs to counter all forms of gender-based violence.

Vice President Ma. Leonor “Leni” G. Robredo graced the event. In her keynote speech, she emphasized to look at violence under the lens of economic empowerment. “We have to approach gender quality and women empowerment from the lens of livelihood and economic options for our abused women”

VP Robredo also remarked that the fight to end VAW is everyone’s responsibility and that the country needs to remember that promoting women’s rights is a mark of a true human being.

Organized by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), the half-day event featured multi-voiced spoken poetry by Philippine Education Theater Association (PETA) on the dynamic role of women across history, and the multi-faced character violence against women. As a response, several non-government organizations, academic institutions and barangays presented their commitment and contributions to ending VAW.

The 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women is observed annually from November 25 to December 12 to raise awareness among all stakeholders that VAW is a public issue of national concern. It supports that Philippine Government’s goal to protect human rights of women and its commitment to address all forms of VAW.

The Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) is the policy research and advocacy arm of the Department of Labor and Employment. For more information on this story, please contact the Advocacy and Publications Division at 527-3490.