Village Connect
In a significant initiative to combat violence against women (VAW), SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility branch of SM Supermalls, has partnered with the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to launch an impactful 18-Day Campaign.
This campaign, which runs from November 25 to December 12, is designed not only to raise awareness but also to mobilize action against VAW. The campaign was officially inaugurated with a ceremonial lighting of the iconic globe at SM Mall of Asia, encapsulating this year’s theme: “VAW Bigyang Wakas, Ngayon na ang Oras!” (End VAW, Now is the Time!).
PCW Chairperson Ermelita Valdeavilla underscored the essential role this campaign plays in advocating for women’s rights and achieving gender equality. Dr. Leila Joudane, UNFPA Country Representative, echoed these sentiments by emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive strategies that address and prevent VAW amid rising statistics that demand attention.
SM Cares reiterated its commitment to fostering safe and inclusive environments across its malls through various initiatives aimed at raising awareness about VAW and partnering with organizations dedicated to supporting victims. Atty. Pearly Turley, Senior Assistant Vice President for Corporate Compliance Group and Program Director for Women at SM Cares stated emphatically that their spaces are designed as welcoming havens where violence against women has no place.
Together, through collaboration among SM Cares, PCW, and UNFPA—alongside active community involvement—they aspire not only to combat violence but also empower survivors. This collective effort aims toward building a safer future where all individuals can thrive without fear or oppression while highlighting that decisive action is needed now more than ever in this critical fight against gender-based violence.
