Most of us probably know someone who has experienced abuse in a relationship, whether emotional, verbal or physical; maybe we have even gone through it ourselves. Statistics according to the 2017 Philippine National Demographic and Health Survey Provided by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) have proven this to be true: 17% or women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence since age 15, and almost 1 in 4 married women in the same age group experienced other forms of physical, sexual or emotional violence by their partners. Unfortunately, 41% have never sought help about this.
Ruffa Gutierrez, brand ambassador for Avon Philippines
With a commitment to tackle the issue of gender-based violence in the country, the Avon Foundation for Women, with support from Avon Philippines and in partnership with global NGO Vital Voices, has been making recent efforts. They have put together ‘Voices Against Violence,’ an international training program to help free women and girls from violence and abuse.
Related: When Does A Normal Fight Become Emotional Abuse?
Sung Kim, United States Ambassador to the Philippines
The three-day workshop brought together Avon leaders and beauty entrepreneurs, law enforcers, civil society actors and survivor-advocates to create a discussion about the topic. The training also focused on providing financial literacy and tools to enable victims to be financially independent.
Christine Jaworsky, Director of the Avon Foundation of Women
At the program launch, United States Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim opened as the afternoon’s keynote speaker. Following this, five esteemed panelists opened the day’s first discussion: Ruffa Gutierrez, brand ambassador for Avon Philippines; Maria Kristine Josefina G Balmes, Deputy Executive Director for the Philippine Commission on Women; Gen. William S. Macavinta, Police Chief Superintendent of the Philippine National Police Women and Children Protection Center; Carmelita Nuqui, Executive Director of Development Action for Women Network; and Agnieszka Isa, Avon Philippines’ Executive Director for Marketing, APAC.
The simple act of talking about violence and abuse can make such a huge difference. With brands such as Avon creating efforts to improve the lives of these women, one can clearly see that this is only the beginning.
For more information on Avon and ‘Voices Against Violence,” head over to avonworldwide.com or follow them on Instagram at @avonph.
