Violence Against Women is a social issue that is rampant nowadays. It might cost short and long term psychological, sexual, mental, and physical effects that will avert woman’s ability to live freely and reach her maximum potential in life.

Hence, the 18-day campaign to End VAW is celebrated annually to express support to women all around the world while greatly condemning discrimination and gender inequality. The Cotabato Regional and Medical Center headed by our Medical Center Chief, Dr. Ishmael R. Dimaren, joins in the observance of the 18-Day Campaign Against Women (VAW) from 25 November to 12 December 2021 with the theme “VAW-free community starts with Me”. Last November 25, 2021, marked the beginning of the said 18-day campaign. CRMC welcomed it with an opening program attended by an estimated fifty (50) participants from various departments of the institution gathered in the CRMC Canopy. An invocation was led by Ustadz Sadawi S. Cana and Ms. Marilyn P. Lambo, RN for the Muslim and Christian prayers, respectively. It was then followed by Dr. Nurlinda P. Arumpac, FPOGS, current Chair of CRMC’s WCPU, who opened the program and announced the series of activities that will take place within the 18-day period. Meanwhile, Dr. John O. Maliga, the Officer-in-charge, reiterated in his Inspirational message that women are men’s equal partner in life who are meant to aid each other in every walk of life, far opposite from committing harassment and violence against them. The activity for this day was concluded by a group picture taking of all attendees with their excitement for activities to look forward to.