Taguig city: The Philippine Army (PA) is actively participating in an 18-day nationwide campaign aimed at ending violence against women (VAW), set to continue until December 12. The initiative underscores the Army's commitment to addressing gender-based violence and promoting gender equality within its ranks and across the nation.

According to Philippines News Agency, the campaign was highlighted during a flag-raising ceremony at the PA headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, where Army chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete called on all officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian employees to support the initiative. Nafarrete emphasized the Army's dedication to reinforcing its gender and development policies as part of the broader fight to eliminate violence against women.

This year's campaign is themed "UNiTEd for a VAW-free Philippines" and is led by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW). It aims to foster a whole-of-nation approach in addressing and preventing abuses against women. The PCW, referencing the 2022 National Demographic and Health Survey, revealed that 18 percent of ever-married women aged 15 to 49 have suffered from physical, sexual, or emotional violence at the hands of a partner, affecting approximately 4.8 million Filipino women.

The campaign's objectives include accelerating the National Action Plan to End Violence Against Women, particularly at local levels, and engaging the youth in advocacy efforts for a VAW-free future. It also seeks to empower men as proactive allies in promoting respectful behavior, challenging harmful societal norms, and supporting gender equality. Furthermore, the initiative encourages bystanders to safely and effectively intervene, aiming to break the silence surrounding VAW and mainstream prevention efforts across various sectors.