Overview: A united stand to end violence against women
The United Nations, the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), and SM Cares have launched a nationwide 18-day campaign aimed at ending violence against women (VAW). The highlight of the campaign is the illumination of shopping malls across major cities, turning them into beacons of awareness and solidarity. This joint effort signals a stronger commitment from government, civil society, and the private sector to confront VAW at community and national levels.
Why illuminate malls? Visibility meets advocacy
Public spaces play a critical role in shaping conversations about women’s safety. By lighting up malls — spaces many Filipinos visit daily — organizers hope to reach a broad audience and spark conversations about prevention, reporting mechanisms, and available support. The lights serve as a symbolic reminder that violence against women and girls is unacceptable and that communities must stand in solidarity with survivors.
Context: Data informs urgency
The campaign comes amid ongoing concerns highlighted by the 2022 Philippine National Demographic and Health Survey, which indicates that 18% of Filipino women have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. This statistic underscores the urgency for sustained, multisectoral action, including education, economic empowerment, and accessible support services. UN representatives emphasize that ending VAW requires coordinated policy implementation, stronger frontline services, and cultural shifts that promote safety and equality for all women and girls.
Key partners and roles
– United Nations: Providing policy guidance, technical support, and a platform for global best practices in VAW prevention.
– PCW (Philippine Commission on Women): Driving nationwide policy alignment, data collection, and local government engagement.
– SM Cares: Mobilizing private-sector resources, coordinating mall activations, and amplifying messages through a network of shopping centers and communities.
What the campaign includes
The 18-day effort combines public illumination events with community dialogues, helpline information dissemination, and outreach to survivors. Activities focus on prevention education, bystander intervention, and strengthening linkages to social services. Campaign materials address hotlines, legal rights, and avenues for assistance, all designed to reduce stigma and encourage reporting in safe, culturally sensitive ways.
Impact and expected outcomes
Organizers anticipate several positive outcomes: increased public awareness of VAW, higher reporting and support-seeking behavior, and stronger collaboration among government agencies, civil society, and businesses. By embedding VAW prevention into everyday spaces like malls, the campaign seeks to normalize conversations about consent, gender equality, and safe environments for women and girls in both urban and rural settings.
What residents can do
Community members are encouraged to participate in mall events, share educational resources with friends and family, and use hotline numbers provided by partners to seek help or report incidents. Employers and local leaders can reinforce safe-work and safe-community practices, ensure information is accessible in multiple languages, and support survivors through respectful, non-judgmental responses.
Conclusion: A sustained call to action
The illumination of malls marks more than a symbolic gesture; it is a public pledge to keep violence against women and girls at the center of policy discourse and everyday action. As 18% statistic reminds us, there is work to be done, and a broad coalition is crucial to turning awareness into tangible safety, dignity, and opportunity for every Filipino woman.
