The Department of Justice (DOJ) joins other government agencies in the annual observance of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) from November 25 to December 12 with this year’s theme, “VAW-free community starts with Me.”

About 200 representatives from the DOJ and its constituent and attached agencies led by Undersecretary Reynante B. Orceo and Assistant Secretary Aimee T. Neri, Committee for Women and Children Chair and Vice Chair, respectively, attended the kick-off ceremony last November 25 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) and re-affirmed their commitments to pursue Anti-VAW efforts.

To lend significance to the celebration, the Department has undertaken several activities. Orange ribbons were pinned on male DOJ officials and employees during the flag ceremony on November 28. The color theme, orange, represents hope and a future free from violence against women and girls.

Assistant Secretary Neri, in her message said, “This will serve as a constant reminder to our men to love their wives and partners and not to harm them, to pamper them and not to torture them, to make them happy, because a happy wife is a happy life.”

On December 2, the Gender and Development (GAD) Committee led the conduct of activities at the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) – “BongGAD ka day” – by providing women inmates free medical and dental services. Asec. Neri also announced that GAD and the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) are “currently working on a possible executive clemency for 55 deserving inmates at CIW.”

Last December 5, orange-colored "paypays" with information on things one can do to help end VAW were distributed to DOJ employees. A video on DOJ VAW activities is currently displayed and viewed in the Department.

Under Proclamation No. 1172, we are mandated to observe the “18-Day Campaign To End Violence Against Women” from November 25 to December 12 of every year.