By Evelyn Doikin, Programme

Coordinator at the Youth-PREP Centre

One Billion Rising (OBR) is a global campaign to end violence against women. It is a call to break the silence and realize stories through art, dance, marches, rituals, songs, spoken word, testimonies and in whatever way that feels right.

This year the OBR campaign focuses on sexual harassment and violence in a relationship. The campaign was conducted in SM La Salle, SM St. Martin, Tambunan and San Damiano Hostel Kiulu. With a total participation of 1,450 students, this campaign aims to raise awareness among youths to end violence against women and girls.

To make this campaign more effective we worked with the school counsellor and hostel wardens. We also worked together with our volunteers to form new strategies in organizing the campaign.

The activity started with an introduction of Good Shepherd Services followed by a session on dating violence. We then had a video screening on issues of violence against women and girls. It ended with everyone dancing the One Billion Rising Dance.

The teachers and students shared that the campaign was an eye opener to all of them especially on the issue of emotional and mental violence. †