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Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Speak out, listen up

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The Philippines is not a women-friendly country.

SILENT NO MORE. The #SpeakOutListenUp campaign of global company Avon aims to encourage victims and survivors of gender-based violence to speak out and share their stories and urge everyone to listen up.

According to Singapore-based research firm ValueChampion, the country is among the “most dangerous places” for women in Asia. 

We ranked in the bottom three, following Indonesia and India (the lowest), when it comes to safety, healthcare, and opportunities. 

According to global direct-selling company Avon, there is at least one raping incident in every 72 minutes here in the Philippines. And at least one in 20 women aged 15 to 49 have experienced sexual violence. 

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It also cited records that reveal half of all Filipinas who have been harassed took no action. “It’s a grim reality that stories about gender-based violence is often ignored, ridiculed, or discredited,” the “company for women” said in a statement. 

As a strong advocate for women, Avon Philippines is rallying behind UN Women’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence by launching the #SpeakOutListenUp campaign to encourage victims and survivors to speak out and share their stories and urge everyone to listen up. 

For 16 days, orange has been chosen as a symbol of a brighter future where women won’t fear violence in their own homes, on the streets, or online. 

Since adapting the color is one way to show solidarity with women all over the world, Avon has gone orange across its social media platforms since Nov. 25 (UN’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) until Dec. 10 (Human Rights Day). 

The company aims to amplify the message, spark conversations, and raise awareness of different forms of violence that prevent women from reaching their full potential as well as the many ways they can protect themselves and report instances of abuse. 

The 16 Days of Activism started on Nov. 25 and will run until Dec. 10, right in time for Human Rights Day.

As part of its efforts for the 16 Days of Activism, Avon has partnered with World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts to ensure more women and girls are able to identify gender-based violence and identify resources to safely seek help. 

The partnership has launched a new training and awareness program for Avon Representatives and girl scouts in the Philippines as well as in Argentina and South Africa. 

Avon prides itself on having a strong legacy of championing programs that help in the promise of putting an end to Violence Against Women and Girls, contributing more than $65 million globally to women-centered organizations like Malala Fund and Vital Voices. 

In the Philippines, Avon has constantly been collaborating with and making donations to Women’s Care Center, Inc. in Manila; Inang Makabayan Aksyon Foundation in Pampanga; Gender Watch Against Violence and Exploitation in Dumaguete; and Luna Legal Resource Center for Women in Davao to further the cause. 

“Avon’s 16 Days of Activism is part of its enduring commitment to stand with and stand for women. After all, women’s rights are human rights.”

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