To mark the kick-off of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women, the Provincial Committee on Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and Children (PCAT-VAWC) has officially launched today, November 25, 2024 an Orange Help Desk in Dumangas Port, Iloilo as one of the its major activities to highlight the exigency of a VAWC-free community.
The theme of this year’s campaign is, “VAW Bigyan ng Wakas, Ngayon na ang Oras.” The said activity aims to attract public curiosity of the orange color relative to the campaign, strengthen the advocacy initiative to end violence against women and children, enjoin the entire community to support the movement and emphasize the importance of collective effort in taking action against any form of harassment and abuses.
Orange is a bright and optimistic color which symbolizes hope and optimism while the Help Desk is a facility that serves as a frontline service provider to women and children who experienced physical, mental, emotional, sexual, economic and other forms of violence and abuse. It is where the abused sector could report and speak out to authorities of their rights being violated and immediately ask for assistance. The campaign invites every citizen to help and become vigilant by making a manifestation of support and showing a STOP VAW sign.
Joining the launching ceremony are officers of the Iloilo Provincial Social Welfare Development Office, members of PCAT-VAWC, partner agencies, barangay VAWC officers and other stakeholders who manifested support by signing the Commitment Wall and showing a STOP VAWC sign.