This Day in #Herstory: 18 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence begins

Since 1991, the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence has been held every year from November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of violence against women, to December 10, Human Rights day.

In the Philippines, the campaign runs until December 12. Proclamation No. 1172 declares November 25 to December 12 of every year as “18-Day campaign to End violence against women.” The country observes December 12 of every year as International day against Trafficking.

Republic Act 10398, signed in 2013, declares November 25 of every year as “national consciousness day for the elimination of violence against women and children.”

How can you participate in the campaign?

Every Filipino citizen is highly encouraged to engage and participate on this day of standing up for the elimination of all forms of violence against women and children. You can let your voice be heard in various mediums of campaigns available online, on radio and television, and even on print.

1. Share campaign videos and posts via social media accounts
2. Change your profile pictures or cover photos with official campaign photos,
3. Air plugs and official campaigns on TV and on the radio that feature stories of violence against women and children,
4. Create your own streamers, posters, articles, and written campaigns that raise awareness to end gender-based violence.
5. Use your creative juices for the advocacy and make DIY designs on shirts, accessories, personal artworks
6. Wear the color orange on the 25th of November as the official color for the 18-day campaign.

To know more about the RA 10398 and the 18-Day Campaign, you may click on the following links:

• http://www.pcw.gov.ph/sites/default/files/documents/laws/republic_act_10398_0.pdf
• http://pcw.gov.ph/VAWfreePH2017
• http://16dayscwgl.rutgers.edu/