Quezon city: The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has emphasized the necessity for stronger protection systems for women and girls within agrarian reform communities as it unveiled its 2025 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW).

According to Philippines News Agency, the DAR issued a news release on Wednesday urging its personnel, partners, and the public to actively engage in the nationwide observance aligned with Republic Act 10398, which marks the National Consciousness Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Children. 'Ending violence against women begins with awareness, but it is sustained by collective action. At DAR, we stand united to create safer, more inclusive spaces where every woman can live with dignity and without fear,' stated DAR Assistant Secretary Vinci Beltran.

The campaign's kickoff event, led by Undersecretary Amihilda Sangcopan, chairperson of the DAR National Gender and Development Executive Committee, took place on Tuesday in Quezon City. During the event, employees pledged their commitment to ending VAW and donned orange shirts as a symbol of solidarity and hope. The 18-Day VAW campaign will continue until December 12, under the theme 'United for a VAW-Free Philippines.'

The DAR highlighted that this year's observance underscores the importance of government institutions in preventing gender-based violence. It also stressed the need for rural women to have access to justice and support services. Women and girls in the agrarian reform sector continue to face significant risks due to social, economic, and geographic challenges.

As part of the campaign, various activities are planned to raise awareness and foster discussions on violence, gender inequality, and community action. Philippine Commission on Women Executive Director Nharleen Santos-Millar, in a message delivered by DAR Director Agnes Mendoza, stressed the importance of addressing gender inequality to strengthen protection mechanisms and empower women to assert their rights. She advocated for sustained, systematic action to ensure the full and equal human rights of women and children, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach that recognizes and protects these rights.