Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo called on every Filipino — regardless of gender, age, or background — to take an active role in ending violence against women, stressing that the social problem requires collective effort beyond institutions.

Gesmundo encouraged individuals to speak up, take action to prevent violence, support survivors, promote justice, and push for meaningful change.

The Chief Justice explained that a “whole-of-nation approach” means “we do not only rely on our institutions to lead meaningful change when it comes to ending VAW. It calls upon each and every person to contribute to the advocacy in whatever capacity they can.”

The global 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women began on 25 November and will conclude on 12 December. The Supreme Court launched its own observance with the theme “UNITED for a VAW-free Philippines: Advancing Equality, Empowering Women.”

Gesmundo led the event at the SC courtyard alongside Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen; Associate Justice Amy C. Lazaro-Javier; Associate Justices Henri Jean Paul B. Inting and Jhosep Y. Lopez, co-chairpersons of the Committee on Gender Responsiveness in the Judiciary (CGRJ); and Associate Justice Raul B. Villanueva.

He outlined four ways the judiciary can strengthen efforts to prevent violence against women: ensure that laws protecting women are applied firmly and without delay under the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations; provide regular gender-sensitivity training to court personnel; integrate gender sensitivity into the legal profession by promoting ethical conduct and correcting improper behavior; and enhance collaboration with government agencies, civil society, and the academe to increase awareness and preventive measures.

Gesmundo also commended the CGRJ, headed by Associate Justice Maria Filomena D. Singh, for advancing gender-responsive policies and fostering a culture where safety and respect are guaranteed for all.

He reaffirmed the Supreme Court’s commitment “to helping build a future where all women and girls live free from fear and harm.”

Justice Inting echoed the message, underscoring that the 18-Day Campaign to End VAW is a “vital movement that raises awareness against gender-based violence and inspires a future where every woman can live free from fear, inequality, and abuse.” He stressed that such violence should never be treated as a private matter, adding that “when a woman suffers violence, the entire justice system must respond decisively.”