#SpeakOutListenUp: Avon Philippines empowers women against gender-based violence

Violence against women

Gender-based violence (GBV) or violence against women and girls (VAWG), is a global pandemic that affects 1 in 3 women in their lifetime.

The numbers are staggering:

• 35% of women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence.
• Globally, 7% of women have been sexually assaulted by someone other than a partner.
• Globally, as many as 38% of murders of women are committed by an intimate partner.
• 200 million women have experienced female genital mutilation/cutting.

Unfortunately, the Philippines is said to be one of the most dangerous places for women in Asia. Rape happens every 72 minutes, and at least 1 in 20 women aged  15 to 49 experienced sexual violence. Of all Filipinas who have been harassed, half of them took it and seemed to have accepted them as it is. It's such a grim that reality stories such as these are oftentimes ignored, ridiculed or discredited. 

An initiative by the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts in partnership with Avon Philippines shows 16 Days of Activism where for 16 days, orange has been chosen as a symbol of a brighter future where women won't fear violence in their own homes, streets or online. The said color shows solidarity with women all around the globe. Avon is going orange across its social media platforms starting November 25 (UN's International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to December 10 (Human Right's Day).

By doing these, the company can amplify the message, spark conversations and raise awareness on different forms of violence that prevent women from reaching their full potentials as well as in many ways protect themselves and report instances of abuse. 

The 16 Days of Activism is made to ensure more women and girls to be able to identify gender-based violence and identify resources to safely seek help. This partnership launches new training and awareness for Avon Representatives and girl scouts in the Philippines as well as in Argentina and South Africa. 

Avon had always been a staunch supporter of women-related issues to empower women everywhere. It is their mission to make sure women live happy, healthy and safe. Avon has a strong legacy of championing programs that help in the promise of putting an end to Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), contributing more than $65 million globally to women-centered organizations like Malala Fund and Vital Voices. 

In our country, Avon has helped and collaborated by making donations to Women's Care Center, Inc. in Inang Makabayan Aksyon Foundation in Pamapanga, Gender Watch Against Violence and Exploitation (GWAVE) 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.