An enlightening exhibit

Enderun Colleges officially opened the exhibit of the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) “Don’t Tell Me How To Dress,” inside its campus. The exhibit features representations of the clothes that 11 Filipina survivors wore when they were sexually harassed or abused.

It demands respect for women’s basic human right for body ownership and respect for safe spaces for women regardless of their line of work, what they are wearing, where there are, or who they are.

Spearheaded by the Social Orientation and Community Development (SOCD) of Enderun Colleges together with the Office of the Vice President of the Philippines and SPARK! Philippines (Samahan ng mga Pilipina para sa Reporma at Kaunlaran), in partnership with the Embassy of Sweden in Manila and Empower, the eye-opening exhibit challenges the destructive belief that the way a woman dresses instigates her assault. Exhibitors implore viewers to break this stigma — sexual violence is never the victim’s fault. The event also supports “Respeto Naman,” a nationwide campaign conceived by these organizations which all share a mission to stand united and vocalize total opposition to the myth of blaming the victims of gender-based violence.

A great number of Enderun students dropped by in between classes to attend the important event.

Staunch supporter and advocate, Swedish Ambassador Harald Fries believes, “A good start is to stimulate awareness and discussion about what needs to be done. The message of Respeto Naman is clear — it demands respect for women’s basic human right for body ownership and respect for safe spaces for women regardless of their line of work, what they are wearing, where there are, or who they are.”

“The responsibility of cultivating a safer community is a duty we all share,” according to Enderun Colleges president Dr. Edgardo P. Rodriguez. “Here in Enderun, we hope to raise more awareness about gender equality and violence against women. We must be socially responsible not just within the campus but also with the communities outside. The younger generations must be ready, educated and equipped to face the immediate challenges that rise today.”

“Don’t Tell Me How to Dress exhibit is open until today at Enderun Colleges. To know more about Enderun Colleges, visit https://www.enderuncolleges.com/.