PHILIPPINES

Youth Took Part in Forum to Help End Violence Against Women

An 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) included a special youth forum that was held in the Caraga Region to raise awareness and encourage action against abuse of women and girls.

The activity recognized that violence against women remained a serious problem in the Philippines and around the world. It highlighted how such violence affected women’s safety, health, and dignity, and stressed the need for stronger community action and support for survivors.

The Commission on Human Rights, as gender ombud, led the forum as part of its commitment to fight gender-based violence. The event aimed to end all forms of violence against women and girls and to mobilize the youth to speak up, help prevent abuse, and support a future free from VAW.

The forums were held in three locations: the Department of Education Cabadbaran City Division on November 19, 2025; the Sangguniang Kabataan of San Jose, Dinagat Islands on November 21, 2025; and North Eastern Mindanao State University in Lianga, Surigao del Sur on November 23, 2025.

Students, youth leaders, faculty members, and SK officials joined the discussions. Each venue gathered around 100 young participants and 20 adult partners such as teachers or local officials. They learned about the forms of violence against women, ways to report cases, and how young people could help create safer communities.

During the sessions, participants proposed different strategies to prevent violence, strengthen awareness, and support victims. The number of forums held, the level of youth participation, and the ideas raised for prevention served as key indicators of success.

The campaign showed that ending violence against women required a collective effort. By involving young people, the forum helped build a generation that was more aware, more compassionate, and more willing to stand up for the rights of women and girls.