Campaign Background
Violence Against Women (VAW) is a pervasive social problem not just in the Philippines but worldwide, affecting an estimated 1 in 3 women. The 2022 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reveals that nearly 1 out of 5 women have experienced emotional, physical, or sexual violence by their current or most recent husband or intimate partner. In 2023 alone, 8,055 cases classified under the Republic Act No. 9262 (Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004) were reported to the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Despite significant progress made through the years, much remains to be done as the journey toward equality is long and challenging. According to the Global Gender Gap 2024 Insight Report by the World Economic Forum (WEF), it will take 134 years to achieve full gender parity. This staggering number translates to five generations beyond the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 target of achieving gender equality and empowerment of all women and girls. Nonetheless, there is still hope, as every Filipino has the power to help end VAW, and OUR TIME TO ACT IS NOW. With the goal to be a VAW-free country, the Philippines – being the most gender equal country in Asia and ranking 25th out of 146 economies in this year’s Global Gender Gap Index – has been working tirelessly to make gender equality a lived reality.
