In a historic first, the #DearSurvivor event took place simultaneously in Quezon City, Metro Manila and in Puerto Princesa, Palawan and online, on December 3, 2022, as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence (GBV).

We organized this event in collaboration with Roots of Health, bringing together GBV survivors and their allies together in a hybrid format onsite and with a group virtually joining the event on Zoom, and emphasizing the power of community and healing.

Our volunteers, together with participants of the Feminist Boot Camp and Feminist Leadership training, facilitated private sharing circles – which created a safe space for survivors and allies to connect, share experiences, and strengthen bonds of solidarity.

A movement workshop, led by Philline, provided a creative and empowering outlet for expressing emotions and experiences.

“As a survivor myself, this was the space and collective that I’ve always wished for within the Philippines that I never thought would happen,” Philline said, emphasizing how important safe spaces like this are. “There is so much care that we can cultivate and nurture and also relearn through all kinds of acts, from art to movement to conversations,” she added.

#DearSurvivor 2022 was made even more significant by the presence and heartfelt messages of support from allies and partners.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to:

  • Roots of Health
  • Bayi, Inc.
  • CHR Gender Equality and Women’s Human Rights Center
  • Youth Voices Count
  • IDEALS, Inc.
  • Sagip Babae Foundation
  • Asian Medical Students’ Association-Philippines
  • MP Pictures for their exceptional video production

This event was supported by the UP Center for Women’s Studies Foundation, Inc., the UP Center for Women’s and Gender Studies, the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), and Global Affairs Canada (GAC) through the Women’s Rights, Action, and Advocacy Project (WRAAP).

#DearSurvivor 2022 showcased the strength of solidarity, providing a platform for survivors to heal and share their stories. It demonstrated the power of collective action and the significance of creating safe spaces for survivors to come forward.

Watch the highlights from this event here: #DearSurvivor 2022