QUEZON CITY – The Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) joins the nationwide observance of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) with the recurring theme “UNiTEd for a VAW-free Philippines” led by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) from November 25 to December 12.

Spearheaded by the ILS Gender and Development Focal Point System (ILS-GFPS) Technical Working Group on Policy, Advocacy, and Communications, the Institute has lined up a series of activities aimed at raising awareness, promoting practical solutions, and empowering participants to take action against VAW and related issues.

The campaign kicks off with the Orange Your Icon Campaign, a show of support and solidarity in ending violence against women by turning social media profile photos orange—a symbolic gesture to raise awareness and promote the advocacy.

On November 28, ILS-GFPS will open an interactive exhibit titled “Walk in Her Shoes” at the ILS Conference Room. First launched in 2023, highlights the lived experiences of women and girls who have faced gender-based violence. It aims to raise awareness, challenge harmful social norms, and mobilize action to eliminate VAW. The exhibit also reinforces key Philippine laws, including the Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710), the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act of 2004 (RA 9262), and the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012 (RA 10364). The exhibit will run until December 2, 2025.

As part of its advocacy, ILS will launch its first-ever podcast series, “#GADSpaceTuesdays,” an engaging platform for GAD Committee members to share expertise and personal insights. The podcast will tackle gender issues such as gender-based violence, safe spaces, Men Opposed to Violence Everywhere (MOVE), and the role of youth in ending VAW.

To encourage active participation and reinforce key learnings within the Institute,  the TWG will also hold an interactive GAD Trivia Down on 05 December. This will be followed by Kumustahan (Wellness Check-In) sessions featuring therapeutic massage and mindfulness activities on 10–11 December to promote wellness and safe spaces within the ILS.

The campaign will culminate on December 12 with GAD Cinema and Talkback Session featuring Bloom Where You Are Planted (Cinemalaya 2025 Best Picture). The session will explore themes of violence and empowerment and foster dialogue on the role of ILS and DOLE participants in advocating for human rights and social justice.

A National Commitment to End VAW

The 18-Day Campaign to End VAW supports the Philippine government’s commitment to protect the human rights of women and girls and eliminate all forms of gender-based violence, as enshrined in the 1987 Constitution. Under Republic Act 10398, November 25 is declared as the National Consciousness Day for the Elimination of VAWC, mandating government agencies to raise awareness and promote action against violence.

For more information on ILS activities for the campaign, visit the ILS Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ilsdoleofficial/

To learn more about the 18-Day Campaign, visit: https://pcw.gov.ph/18-day-campaign-to-end-vaw/

To file a report, please refer to the following VAW Hotlines:

VAW Helplines: https://pcw.gov.ph/violence-against-women-helplines/

Hotlines for OFWs: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Fw3h315WK6LIHPMfA0Hh-34Uf9fW2UVL/view

###