Singapore, 25 November 2025 – The Philippine Embassy in Singapore kicked off the commemoration of the 2025 18‑Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW), running from today, 25 November to 12 December 2025. This year’s commemoration continues the Campaign’s 6-year recurring theme of “UNiTEd for a VAW-free Philippines”, which highlights the transformative power of collective and coordinated action in addressing the issue of gender-based violence. This 2025, the Campaign focuses on strengthening the nationwide, whole-of-nation approach to end VAW.  

In his message, Philippine Ambassador to Singapore, His Excellency Medardo G. Macaraig underscored the relevance of the Campaign, especially in Singapore which hosts a significant number of Filipino women, many of whom work in caregiving, domestic, professional, and service sectors. Ambassador Macaraig stated, “Even outside our borders, the Philippine Government stands firm in protecting the rights, dignity, and safety of every Filipina. This campaign is a reminder that violence against women will never be tolerated-anywhere.”

The Embassy recognizes that women abroad may face risks of violence, exploitation and discrimination, and reaffirmed its commitment of support to them by providing assistance, referral mechanisms and information on legal rights through its Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) Section, and with the invaluable support of Migrant Workers Office (MWO)-Singapore and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)-Singapore. 

As a global advocate for gender equality, the Philippines continues to champion girls and women’s rights in bilateral, regional, and international platforms. This advocacy extends to its overseas missions, which serve not only as service providers, but as safe spaces for women in distress.

The Embassy also acknowledges Singapore’s own legal and policy frameworks that complement its mandates and advocacies. The city-state’s Women’s Charter of 1961 provides foundational protections for women in family, marriage and property matters in Singapore.  The recently enacted Workplace Fairness Act (WFA) prohibits employment discrimination based on sex, pregnancy or caregiving responsibilities.   These legislative measures underline the value of partnerships and shared learning in protecting women’s rights, including among migrant women in Singapore.

Violence against girls and women remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations worldwide. The 18-Day Campaign is part of the Philippines’ sustained leadership in the region and in multilateral fora in advancing gender equality, women’s empowerment and the prevention of gender-based violence. For overseas Filipino workers and their families, the campaign serves as a crucial reminder of the Philippine Government’s duty of care, even beyond its shores.

The Embassy calls on all Filipinos in Singapore to join the advocacy by promoting respect, equality, and zero tolerance for violence in homes, workplaces, and communities. (END)