Aiming to eliminate gender-based violence in the country, the #RespetoNaman Campaign and the Don’t Tell Me How To Dress Exhibit has been making its way around Metro Manila for the past few months. This June, it will begin tackling gender-based violence and sexual abuse in Mindanao as it begins its much-awaited nationwide campaign tour on June 2 at Centrio Ayala Mall, Cagayan De Oro City.
Maica Teves, Executive Director of SPARK!, says, “SPARK! wants women to know that they are not alone. Together, we will fight for our rights and for respect. Now, more than ever, is the time to shift the narrative, end victim-blaming, and call for respect for women not because of what they wear or how they act, but by virtue of their being human.”
#RespetoNaman aims to spread awareness and encourage discourse. The campaign hopes to enlighten the Filipino people that these issues are present in our society, thus we must act to change the norm. #RespetoNaman campaigns for better awareness, change in policy, better practices, and rehabilitation for victims to eliminate, gender-based violence in the Philippine Society.
“As the first feminist government with a feminist foreign policy in the world, Sweden ensures that the elimination of gender-based violence is a top priority in government work. Through #RespetoNaman, the Embassy of Sweden hopes to promote all over the Philippines the importance of respect — respect for women’s basic human right for body ownership, and respect for safe spaces for women regardless of their line of work, what they are wearing, where they are or who they are. We are here to reiterate that nothing can ever justify harassment, violence, and rape, ” Ambassador of Sweden to the Philippines, H.E: Harald Fries notes.
The RespetoNaman: Don’t Tell Me How To Dress Exhibit will be at Centrio, Ayala Malls from June 2 to 16. It will be then moved to Xavier University on June 17 until the end of the month. The RespetoNaman Nationwide Campaign Tour is making stops at Cebu, Bacolod, Naga, and Laguna this year.
RespetoNaman is a campaign spearheaded by SPARK! Philippines, in partnership with the Office of the Vice President, the Embassy of Sweden, UN Women, and Empower; supported by Terre des hommes through the Girls Advocacy Alliance, and Para Sa Sining.
ADVT
