The United Nations (UN) Gender Thematic Group (GTG), in collaboration with several partners including the University of the Philippines Center for Women’s and Gender Studies (UPCWGS); Bayi, Inc.; SafeCity; the UP Center for Women’s Studies Foundation, Inc. (UPCWSFI); and the UP College of Fine Arts, organized an experiential exhibit titled “Walk in Her Shoes” to support the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW). A program at the closing of the exhibit was held on 29 February 2024 at the College of Fine Arts, UP Diliman. Members of women’s groups, persons with disability, youth including young men allies, and LGBTQ were invited to the event. Participants were given art materials and were asked to paint images that respond to the prompt “Pangarap Kong Komunidad na Ligtas sa Karahasan.” There were also a song number, a dance number, and solidarity messages from event partners.
The exhibit, initially launched in December 2023 and previously housed at the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), showcases stories from various sectors of women and girls, highlighting the different forms of gender-based violence they encounter on a daily basis. The primary goal of the exhibit is to raise awareness about the pervasive nature of VAW, encourage reflection on the prevailing social norms that perpetuate this harmful behavior, and mobilize action to eradicate VAW.