- Categories:
- Special Interest
- Tags:
- AwarenessSafetyWomen
- Where:
- Philippines
- Date change rule:
- Every November 25 through December 12
- Holiday emoji:
- đź’ś
The 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) runs annually from November 25 to December 12. This crucial period in the Philippines raises national awareness and advocates for the safety and protection of women. Engage with organizations, participate in events, and support initiatives working towards a violence-free society.
Want to sponsor 18 Day Campaign to End VAW? Learn how
Expected 18 Day Campaign to End VAW Deals
The 18-Day Campaign to End VAW focuses on advocacy, education, and support rather than commercial deals. Organizations like the Philippine Commission on Women and UN Women lead awareness drives, often partnering with corporate entities for donation matches or cause-related marketing. Brands like Avon and Dove, known for their women-focused initiatives, may launch campaigns promoting self-esteem and safety, with proceeds benefiting anti-violence programs. Local businesses can host fundraising events or offer special products that contribute a portion of sales to VAW shelters and support services. We will update this page with confirmed live campaigns as November 25 approaches.
Platform Guide for 18 Day Campaign to End VAW
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #EndVAW. Share stories, infographics, and personal reflections to raise awareness and foster solidarity.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #18DayCampaignToEndVAW. Participate in online discussions, share news, and retweet calls to action from advocacy groups.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #VAWAwareness. Join community groups, share educational content, and promote local events.
18 Day Campaign to End VAW Hero
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
History of 18 Day Campaign to End VAW
On November 25, 1991, the first international campaign against gender-based violence took place. It began on that day, the International Day to Eliminate V.A.W., up to December 10, which is the International Human Rights Day, lasting 16 days. It originated that year from the first Women Leadership Institute at Reuters University, New Jersey, U.S.A. The Philippine Government joined the global campaign in 2002 through the Philippine Commission on Women and critical stakeholders, initially to push for laws and the establishment of institutional mechanisms to address violence against women.
In 2006, then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed Proclamation 1172, which extended the national campaign to 18 days, thereby including December 12. This was a historic date that marked the signing in the year 2000 of the U.N. Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children, to complement the U.N. Convention Against Transnational Organized Crimes. In 2008, the campaign was strengthened even more when the United Nations Secretary-General launched the UNiTE to End Violence Against Women Campaign, which envisions a world free from all forms of violence against women and girls. For the U.N., this vision can only be seen through meaningful actions and constant political commitments of national governments, supported by adequate resources.
Typically, each year has a different theme for the campaign, however, in the year 2016, the Inter-Agency Council on Violence Against Women (I.A.C.V.A.W.C.) adopted the theme “V.A.W.-free community starts with Me” for the campaign. The Council also agreed that said theme shall be used every year from 2016 to 2021. It elevates the campaign to positive advocacy. It encourages people to pursue the common goal of a community free from violence against women and girls and highlights what can be done to achieve such.
18 Day Campaign to End VAW timeline
It begins on the International Day to Eliminate V.A.W., up to December 10, which is International Human Rights Day.
Through the Philippine Commission on Women and critical stakeholders, they join the campaign to push for laws and the establishment of institutional mechanisms to address violence against women.
Then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signs Proclamation 1172, which extends the national campaign to 18 days, thereby including December 12.
The United Nations Secretary-General launches this campaign, which envisions a world free from all forms of violence against women and girls, and further strengthens the 18-Day Campaign to End V.A.W.
How Businesses Can Celebrate 18 Day Campaign to End VAW
Local businesses can demonstrate their commitment to ending violence against women by creating safe spaces and implementing gender-sensitive policies within their workplaces. Consider partnering with local women’s shelters or advocacy groups for fundraising drives or awareness campaigns throughout the 18-day period. Display educational materials, host workshops on bystander intervention, or offer a portion of sales to support anti-VAW initiatives.
18 Day Campaign to End VAW FAQs
When is the 18-Day Campaign to End VAW?
The 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women in the Philippines runs annually from Wednesday, November 25, through Saturday, December 12, 2026. This period is dedicated to raising national awareness.
How prevalent is violence against women globally?
Globally, approximately one in three women, or 30%, have experienced physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime. This stark figure underscores the urgency of campaigns like the 18-Day VAW observance.
What is the significance of the 18-day duration?
The 18-day duration in the Philippines extends the global ’16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence,’ which runs from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to December 10 (Human Rights Day). The additional two days in the Philippines emphasize a deeper national commitment.
What is the 'Orange the World' campaign?
‘Orange the World’ is a global initiative by UN Women that uses the color orange to symbolize a brighter future free from violence against women and girls. Buildings and landmarks are often lit orange during the campaign to raise public awareness and show solidarity.
How to Observe 18 Day Campaign to End VAW
Turn your icon Orange
The idea behind this is to attract the public’s curiosity about why major landmarks or icons across the entire nation are colored orange, allowing for an opportunity to advocate in favor of the campaign. Orange is a bright and optimistic color that represents hope and a future free from violence against women and girls. Set the color orange as your profile picture on social media, use the hashtag #VAWfreePH, or put orange decorations on a real-life landmark or your workplace.
Participate in Gender Sensitivity Training
If you’re an employer, a good way to take part in the campaign is to do a Gender Sensitivity Training course with your employees. It will be especially helpful if you have women working there or have been looking to hire some.
Take a survey on the Acceptance of Women in the Commissioned Service
Another great thing to do as an employer is to take a survey like this among your employees. It will allow you and the campaign organizers to analyze the effects of the admission of women in the workplace.
5 Important Facts About V.A.W. In The Philippines
It’s a massive, prevalent social issue
According to a 2017 National Demographic and Health Survey conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority, one in four Filipino women aged 15 to 49 has experienced physical, emotional, or sexual violence by their husband or partner.
Massive amounts of money have been spent
In 2002, the government spent an estimated amount of six billion pesos to treat V.A.W. survivors, which covered the medical treatment of psychological therapies and programs, injuries, maintenance of shelters, cost of legal and court proceedings to prosecute perpetrators, training costs of service providers, and other indirect social costs to family members of survivors and perpetrators.
2013 is the year with most cases
This year, a total of 16,517 cases were filed under the complaint or violation of R.A. 9262.
Western Visayas had the most cases
In 2013, the highest number of reported V.A.W. cases nationwide was in this region, with 4,833, accounting for 20.3 percent of the total reported cases in the country.
The most reported type of violence
Physical injury is the second most reported type of V.A.W. cases, with an accumulated 19.7%, while the most reported type is the general, non-specific category of V.A.W., accounting for 57% of the total.
Why 18 Day Campaign to End VAW is Important
It’s important to end V.A.W.
V.A.W. negatively affects women's general well-being and prevents women from fully participating in society. After all we’ve accomplished to try to make women equal, we can’t stop yet.
It’s a day to reflect on women’s current struggles
It’s not just about the violence. Think about the challenges women currently face in the Philippines. How does it compare to other countries? How else can we improve?
It’s a day to think about your current environment
Take some time to think about how your actions and words may impact others. Certain attitudes or things you might say could be meant as a compliment, but make them feel unsafe.
18 Day Campaign to End VAW dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | November 25–December 12 | Wednesday–Saturday |
| 2027 | November 25–December 12 | Thursday–Sunday |
| 2028 | November 25–December 12 | Saturday–Tuesday |
| 2029 | November 25–December 12 | Sunday–Wednesday |
| 2030 | November 25–December 12 | Monday–Thursday |
Social Media Tips for 18 Day Campaign to End VAW
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