The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) stands united to end violence against women (VAW) together with the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), other government agencies, and the public as it officially kicked off the 2024 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women last 25 November and will run until 12 December at the DAR Gymnasium, DAR Central Office, Quezon City.

With the 2022-2027 recurring campaign theme, “UNiTEd for a VAW-free Philippines” and its 2024 sub-theme, “VAW Bigyang Wakas, Ngayon na ang Oras!,” this nationwide campaign is part of the government’s continuous effort to raise awareness, promote gender equality, and strengthen actions to end all forms of violence against women and girls.

In line with the commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Anti-VAWC Act of 2004 (RA 9262), DAR’s Gender and Development (GAD) focal person Usec. Rowena Niña O. Taduran led the kick-off of the 18-Day Campaign and emphasized the agency’s commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for women, particularly in agrarian communities.

“Now is a time when we must hold each other’s hands together. Now is a time when we must be resolute and firmly stand in our truth. Indeed, the goal of closing the global gender gap is a long and arduous journey. Hence, this is a call to action for every Filipino and to every member here at the Department of Agrarian Reform. The long-surviving truth is that before we can change the world, we must first change ourselves. And so, change must first start here with us. You have the power to help end violence against women. And your time to act is now. Individually and collectively, we can make the dream of a VAW-free Philippines a lived reality,” Taduran said.

The kick-off ceremony featured messages of solidarity and educational sessions from PCW chairperson Ermelita V. Valdeavilla, DAR Undersecretary for Finance, Management and Administration Office (FMAO) Lani C. De Leon, Assistant Secretary for Finance Management and Administration Office Vinci A. Beltran and Bb. Agraryo 2024 Gean Ariane R. Ponce from DAR Central Luzon, and Bb. Mindanao Angelica B. Valenzuela from DAR Central Office’s FMAO, highlighting the realities of VAW and the collective responsibility to address it.

The DAR’s 18-Day Campaign activities included a Bazaar, Poster Making Contest, the Orange Exhibit and Food Festival Contest, and End VAW Forums. The campaign culminated last 12 December, with a series of activities including the Awarding of Poster Making Contest, Orange Exhibit and Food Festival Contest and the launching of the Committee on Decorum and Investigation, designed to assess progress and renew commitments to end VAW.

DAR’s participation in the nationwide advocacy to end VAW underscores its commitment to empowering women in agrarian reform communities and fostering a culture of respect and equality, ultimately working towards a safer and more inclusive society.