SM MOA Globe shines purple for gender equality

Posted by SM Supermalls on March 06, 2025

SM Cares Program Director for Women Atty. Pearly Joan Turley, Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) Chairperson Ermelita Valdeavilla, SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing Jonjon San Agustin, and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Assistant Country Representative Jose Roi Avena lead the lighting of the SM Mall of Asia Globe in purple in celebration of Women's Month this March.

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 the end of March, signifies the collective commitment to this crucial cause.

The power of purple: A symbol of equality

The "Purple Your Icon Illumination" initiative goes beyond simply lighting spaces in purple; it symbolizes women's lasting impact on society and serves as a call to action for gender equality. PCW Chairperson Ermelita Valdeavilla highlighted that this movement is a challenge to turn awareness into real, lasting change.

Aligned with the United Nations' theme for International Women’s Day, “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” the campaign emphasizes the need to address the disproportionate burden of unpaid care and domestic work that limits women's economic opportunities.

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Country Representative Dr. Leila Joudane further stressed the importance of unlocking equal rights and opportunities for women and girls, recognizing the role of youth in creating a more inclusive future.

Purple, a color synonymous with justice, dignity, and equality, served as the central theme of the event. Apart from the illumination of the SM MOA Globe, simultaneous purple Light-Emitting Diode (LED) screen displays across various SM malls nationwide will also extend through March 6, symbolizing unity in advocating for gender equality and women's empowerment.

SM Cares Program Director for Women Atty. Pearly Joan Turley, Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) Chairperson Ermelita Valdeavilla, and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Assistant Country Representative Jose Roi Avena

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."

Illuminated in purple, the SM Mall of Asia Globe symbolizes SM Cares' dedication to women's empowerment, commencing the start of the 2025 National Women's Month in the Philippines.

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.