Campaign Kickoff: A Visible Stand Against Violence toward Women
The United Nations Philippines, in partnership with the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) and SM Cares, has launched a high-visibility 18-day campaign to end violence against women (VAW). The initiative, marked by the illumination of major shopping malls, signals a public commitment to mobilize communities, policymakers, and businesses to confront gender-based violence head-on. As statistics remain a sobering reminder, organizers say that urgent action is needed to protect women and girls and to foster a culture of respect for women’s rights across all facets of society.
Resident Coordinator Arnaud Peral underscored the intensified collaboration necessary to advocate for ending VAW. He highlighted that the issue is not only a women’s rights concern but a societal and development priority that affects families, workplaces, and communities at large. The mall lighting is designed to attract attention far beyond traditional advocacy channels, turning everyday spaces into platforms for conversation, education, and action.
Why an 18-Day Campaign?
The 18-day timeframe aligns with global and local timelines for sustained advocacy and measurable outcomes. During this period, campaigns across the Philippines will focus on education, prevention, and support for survivors. Activities include community dialogues, school-based programs, workplace trainings, and high-visibility public events that emphasize consent, gender equality, and the right to live free from fear.
Key Messages and Goals
The joint effort centers on several core messages: recognizing the signs of violence, knowing where to seek help, and understanding the legal protections that shield victims. By combining government agencies, civil society, and private sector partners, the initiative seeks to reduce stigma, increase reporting, and expand access to survivor-centered services. The collaboration also aims to strengthen policy advocacy, ensuring that laws protecting women’s safety are effectively implemented at local and national levels.
Role of the Private Sector and Public Spaces
SM Cares plays a pivotal role by leveraging commercial spaces to amplify the campaign’s reach. Malls—not only hubs of commerce but also community gathering spots—provide an accessible venue for information distribution, resource referrals, and on-site support services. This model demonstrates how private enterprises can contribute to social change without compromising business objectives, creating a template for future cross-sector partnerships.
What This Means for Survivors and Communities
For survivors, the initiative translates into greater visibility of support systems, including hotlines, counseling services, and safe spaces. Community members are encouraged to report incidents and to participate in protective measures for vulnerable groups, including women and girls who may be at higher risk in certain environments. The campaign also promotes respectful masculinity and bystander intervention, inviting men and boys to join women and girls as allies in ending VAW.
Measuring Progress and Accountability
As the 18-day period unfolds, organizers aim to monitor progress through indicators such as increased reporting, higher attendance at advocacy events, and stronger linkages to women’s support services. Transparent communication and data-driven adjustments will be essential to ensuring that the campaign achieves lasting impact beyond its run-time.
Looking Ahead: A Sustainable Path to End VAW
While the 18-day initiative is a powerful catalyst, experts stress that ending violence against women requires sustained investment in education, legal enforcement, and community-based prevention. The joint effort between the United Nations, PCW, and SM Cares demonstrates a model of collaborative action capable of sparking cultural shifts and policy reform. As malls glow with messages of safety and respect, the country moves toward a future where women and girls can live, study, work, and participate fully in society without fear.
