Metro Manila – The 18-day global campaign to end violence against women (VAW) kicked off at the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) Central Office on 25 November 2023, reaffirming the Board’s dedication to a violence-free, gender-fair society in compliance with Proclamation No. 1172 and Republic Act 10398.

During the flag raising ceremony on 28 November, Deputy Executive Director Maria Cristina Mangaliman underscored the importance of being an advocate and inspiration on the continued fight to end violence against women and girls.

“In line with the observance of the 18-day campaign to end violence against women, we have prepared several activities so I encourage everyone to participate,” DED Mangaliman said.

The Board facilitated a series of activities starting from a lecture on VAWC to a film screening featuring empowering women centric movies. As a culminating activity, the Board’s key officials and employees attended a learning session, entitled “SHINE: Brightening the Dark World of Violence Against Women.”

According to the 2023 Global Gender Gap Index Report by the World Economic Forum, the Philippines ranked 16th out of 146 countries worldwide and recognized as the most gender-equal country in Asia.

However, based on the 2022 Philippine National Demographic Health Survey by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), 18% of women aged 15–49 years have experienced any form of physical, sexual, or emotional violence from the people closest to them. This suggests that violence and abuse against women and children continue to exist in our country.

With the 18-day advocacy campaign, the Board aims to demonstrate its unwavering commitment on raising awareness, fostering empathy, and inspiring action towards a violence-free and gender-fair society.

This initiative of the Board aligns with the government’s objective of safeguarding the fundamental human rights of women by upholding its commitment to address all forms of gender-based violence as enshrined in the 1987 Constitution.

end/nikka garcia