Manila, Philippines – The United Nations Gender Thematic Group (GTG), in collaboration with Senate pro Tempore Loren Legarda and Senator Pia Cayetano, inaugurated an experiential exhibit titled ‘Walk in Her Shoes’ on Monday. This exhibit is part of the 18-day campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) and will be open to Senate visitors from December 4 to 12.
According to Philippines News Agency, the exhibit features stories from various sectors of women and girls, emphasizing the different forms of gender-based violence. The primary goal is to increase awareness about the pervasiveness of VAW, encourage reflection on the societal norms that perpetuate such behavior, and inspire action to eradicate VAW.
Legarda acknowledged the need to review Republic Act 9262, the Violence Against Women and their Children Act, which is nearly two decades old. She suggested a collaborative review with the UN Population Fund and the Philippine Commission on Women. Cayetano, highlighting that one out of three women is a victim of gender-based violence, stressed the importance of a heightened awareness campaign.
The exhibit is a collaborative effort of various UN GTG members, including UNFPA, UN Women, UNICEF, UN Development Programme (UNDP), International Labour Organization, World Food Programme, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and Food and Agriculture Organization. Following the 18-day campaign, the UN GTG plans to bring the exhibit to public spaces across the Philippines to reach a broader audience and advocate for joint programs addressing VAW.
