18-day campaign to end violence vs women

The United Nations, Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) and SM Supermalls will hold today the ceremonial lighting for the 15-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) at SM North EDSA in Quezon City.

Mayor Joy Belmonte, PCW chairperson Ermelita Valdeavilla, Department of Social Welfare and Development Undersecretary Monina Josefina Romualdez, Department of the Interior and Local Government Assistant Secretary Lilian de Leon, and UN Philippines resident coordinator Arnaud Peral will lead the event at 2:30 p.m. SM malls and landmarks nationwide will be illuminated in orange, the official color of the UNITE campaign symbolizing hope and a future free from violence.

The 25 November to 12 December campaign extends the international 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence and carries the national theme “UNITEd for a VAW-Free Philippines.” This year’s campaign also commemorates the 21st anniversary of the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004 that also protects women and girls from discrimination.