The iconic SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Globe was bathed in a dynamic purple hue on February 28, 2025, as SM Cares, in collaboration with the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) and the United Nations Philippines, launched its “Purple Your Icon Illumination” event. This powerful symbol of support for gender equality and women’s empowerment commemorates the beginning of the 2025 National Women’s Month Celebration in the Philippines. The illumination, which will continue nightly until March 7, signifies the collective commitment to this crucial cause.
The power of purple: A symbol of equality
“This is more than just lighting up spaces in purple—it is a declaration of women’s enduring impact on society and a challenge to turn awareness into action. Let this be a spark that fuels real, lasting change,” PCW Chairperson Ermelita Valdeavilla emphasized.
The “Purple Your Icon Illumination” is a visual reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality and a call to action for everyone to contribute to a more equitable society. This initiative aligns with the United Nations’ global theme for International Women’s Day, “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment”.
“Women’s disproportionate burden of unpaid care and domestic work limit their economic opportunities,” said UN Gender Thematic Group (GTG) Chairperson and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Country Representative Dr. Leila Joudane. This year’s campaign highlights the need to unlock equal rights, power, and opportunities for all women and girls, recognizing the crucial role of youth in driving progress and creating a more inclusive future.
Purple, a color synonymous with justice, dignity, and equality, served as the central theme of the event. The illumination of the SM MOA Globe, alongside simultaneous purple Light-Emitting Diode (LED) screen displays across various SM malls nationwide, symbolized unity in advocating for gender equality and women’s empowerment.
A call to action
SM Cares Program Director for Women Atty. Pearly Joan Turley highlighted the importance of this initiative, noting, “Through initiatives like the ‘Purple Your Icon Illumination,’ we aim to inspire a collective movement, where every individual recognizes and champions the invaluable contributions of women to our society.”
SM Cares: Driving positive social change
The “Purple Your Icon Illumination” event underscores SM Cares’ ongoing initiatives to support women’s empowerment and promote inclusivity. By partnering with leading organizations like the UN and PCW, SM continues to play a vital role in driving positive social change and building a more equitable future for all Filipinos. The purple glow of the MOA Globe will serve as a daily reminder for the ongoing commitment to these important causes throughout National Women’s Month.
For more information, follow SM Cares’ social media channels.
About SM Cares
SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, focusing on initiatives that promote sustainability, inclusivity, and community development. From environmental programs to projects that uplift marginalized groups, SM Cares strives to create meaningful and lasting impacts across the Philippines.
Started in 1927, the Philippines Graphic is the longest-running printed magazine of national circulation that provides relevant news and features and promotes Philippine literature.
