Cover Renowned journalist Karen Davila making a stand via her social media platforms: “I stand in solidarity with women all over the world against any form of gender based violence.” (Photo: @iamkarendavila / Instagram)
Renowned journalist Karen Davila making a stand via her social media platforms: “I stand in solidarity with women all over the world against any form of gender based violence.” (Photo: @iamkarendavila / Instagram)
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The journalist speaks up in a video released for the 16 Days of Activism campaign against gender-based violence
Globally, around 736 million women have experienced physical and sexual intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both at least once in their lives, constituting 30 per cent of women aged 15 and older. To compare, that’s one in every three persons in the world, according to UN Women.
In the Philippines, over 7,000 cases of violence, maltreatment, and oppression against women were recorded by the Philippine National Police in just the year 2022, with accounts ranging from physical to sexual, emotional, psychological, and mental abuse. Yes, we have the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children (Anti-VAWC) law, which aims to protect the said groups against violence and has been in place for almost two decades. However, violence against women and girls remains a pervasive human rights violation around the world, demanding an urgent and united call to action. It is essential to believe in survivors, provide them with support and protection, and ensure the prosecution of perpetrators to the fullest extent of the law.
More from Tatler: “How I Moved on From Domestic Abuse and What You Should Know About This Issue”
Above No excuses. Stand in solidarity with women all over the world against any form of gender based violence
Above There is #NOExcuse for violence. UN Women encourages all women to help each other and stand together
No excuses. Stand in solidarity with women all over the world against any form of gender based violence
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“How can [violence against women and children] be stopped? [Through] support and cooperation,” says renowned journalist and UN Women National Goodwill Ambassador for the Philippines Karen Davila, as she urged the country to take a stand against gender-based violence on social media last November 25.
“If women know their rights, if the community cares about women’s rights, peace, and order, if government agencies fulfil their duties to protect women’s rights, and if everyone speaks up and does not stay silent to give a voice to abused women in any form, violence will be eliminated. We must fight for everyone’s rights,” she says.
As part of the 16 Days of Activism, the international campaign raising awareness of violence against women from November 25 to December 10, Davila’s message features the slogan: “There’s #NOExcuse for violence against women and girls.” It serves as a reminder that there is no justification for any form of gender-based violence. The message is clear: wrong is wrong; a crime is a crime.
The global hashtag #NOExcuse translates to #WalangPalusot in the Philippines. Individuals are encouraged to use their voices and urge citizens, organisations, and governments to take a stronger stance, helping build a society free from any form of violence.
Learn more about Violence Against Women
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The United Nations in the Philippines is also launching the interactive exhibition Walk in Her Shoes on the ground floor of Rockwell Sheridan Business Center, Mandaluyong, for the public to see and interact with.
The display includes several stations featuring women survivors, where guests can listen to their stories and better understand their journey. The exhibit is open to the public until December 3 and will be moved to the Senate of the Philippines in Pasay on December 4.
In solidarity with women around the world, the campaign is calling on all those who can share their stories and messages of hope, courage, and strength by posting photos and videos on their social media channels using the hashtags #NOExcuse, #WalangPalusot, #BabaeMayLabanKa, #16Days, and tagging @unwomenasia.
For more information, visit asiapacific.unwomen.org/en.
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Credits
Images: UN Women
Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is a digital editor at Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
