By Shayne Elizabeth T. Flores

Young Women’s Christian Association - Far Eastern University (YWCA-FEU) Chapter advocated for sexual assault awareness through ‘One Billion Rising ‘25: Dancing Against Facism’ at the FEU Gazebo 4 last April 8.

YWCA-FEU staged a dance protest condemning violence against women and children (VAWC) with different Zumba routines along with the One Billion Rising (OBR) dance, led by FEU Wellness and Recreation Program Instructor Maria Arlene Catubo.

In an interview with FEU Advocate, YWCA-FEU President Yamyla Ysabelle Velez highlighted the correlation between the OBR global campaign and YWCA-FEU’s advocacy.

“One Billion Rising is one of the widespread yet easy-to-partake-in initiatives for Violence Against Women, as it gathers multiple people while performing a singular movement. The term ‘one billion’ is a reminder that one in 3-billion women experience assault in their lifetime. One Billion Rising is one of the many events that YWCA-FEU has held onto dearly due to its advocacy that's close to home—an advocacy that gathers women to ‘break the chain,’” she explained.

In contrast to previous OBR events, which were usually staged by YWCA-FEU during March or Women’s Month, this year’s OBR is the first one held in April in time for the Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Velez underlined the relevance of protesting against VAWC through the movement.

“Violence Against Women [and Children] is not an area of interest nor an option among many, it's an obvious problem that entertains no excuse. With the prevalence of gaslighting and victim-blaming, it should be a mission of many to stand against all forms of violence and to fight for true justice,” she said.

The dance protest was followed by a special lecture led by FEU Department of Psychology faculty Eda Lou Ochangco, who discussed the current state of women’s rights and their empowerment.

Apart from partaking in the OBR movement, the YWCA-FEU president encouraged participants to recognize and condemn the pervasiveness of VAWC.

“I believe that we should learn but not forget. The facts and testaments concerning VAWC should manifest through our daily interactions, conversations, and actions, as we are planting a seed in everyone's lives. Just like how we believe we need air to breathe, it should be a prevailing truth that Violence against Women and their Children is never acceptable,” she emphasized.

Additionally, YWCA-FEU also provided shirts specifically for attendees, volunteers, and special guests, displaying the statement "Babae, Bangon!" in line with the movement.

OBR is a global mass action to end rape and sexual violence against women. Along with other forms of protest, it utilizes dance as a demonstration of women’s collective strength.

(Photos by Zedrich Xylak Madrid/FEU Advocate)