VSU joins the 18-day campaign to end violence against women

VSU is one with the nation in observing the annual 18-day campaign to end violence against women (VAW) led by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW).

All VSU faculty, staff, and students were encouraged to participate in the launching of the end of the VAW campaign in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the enactment of Republic Act No. 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004.

The campaign period starts November 25 until December 12. Part of the campaign participation is the inclusion of the VAW campaign in the flag ceremonies showing VAW-related campaigns and other campaign materials, including the All-Women Cast Lupang Hinirang video. 

VSU President Prose Ivy G. Yepes shared in her opening message that the university aspires to create a community where all its members are valued and respected, especially the students, whom she referred to as the most vulnerable to different forms of violence. 

“We are more than just a center for education; we are a catalyst for transformation, capable of shaping attitudes, behaviors, and values that contribute [to] a culture of respect and equality.”

Atty. Karen Abegail S. Monteron, the new VSU Legal Officer, served as the resource speaker at the launching, where she shared about the important laws and regulations on violence against women. 

Ms. Letty Jean C. Lor, the current OIC Head of the University Gender Resource Center, shared the 8 campaign activities to observe in the 2024 18-day campaign to end VAW in line with the PCW. The activities include illuminating the campus landmarks in orange—a united color that represents a bright and optimistic future that is free from violence against women and girls.

Through GRC, led by OIC Head Ms. Lor, their team will conduct VAW-related activities in the component campuses, including discussions, orientations, and learning sessions on VAW, anti-VAW laws, and VAW services. 

To promote awareness, the Office of the President released a memorandum to encourage all college deans, directors, heads, and gender and development coordinators of the university to integrate a discussion on the 18-day campaign into their monthly staff meetings and submit documentation reports on EndVAW activities they will organize and implement throughout the campaign period. 

This year, the sub-theme of the EndVAW campaign is “VAW Bigyang Wakas, Ngayon na ang Oras!” which gives urgency to end all forms of violence that women and children experience worldwide.

This article aligns with Sustainable Development Goal No: 5 (Gender Equality).

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