Hong Kong, 12 December 2023 — In observance of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) held annually from 25 November to 12 December, the Consulate General of the Philippines through its Gender and Development Unit conducted a public forum entitled “𝐉𝐮𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐬!” which was held on 06 December 2023 at Sentro Rizal Room.
The project special, which was attended by twenty-five (25) participants, provided a safe space to discuss and address the most common VAWC-related issues faced by women migrants in Hong Kong. The forum was also organized to guide OFWs, particularly women, about their rights under the law.
In his opening remarks, Consul General Raly L. Tejada reassured the participants that the campaign to end VAW has always been part of the Consulate’s mandate. CG Tejada also reaffirmed the Consulate’s commitment to safeguard and fight for women’s rights and welfare in the region.
Consul Paulo V. Saret, head of the Consulate’s Assistance-To-Nationals Section, discussed the action taken by the ATN Section in dealing with gender-based violence and domestic abuse. Consul Saret also shared some practical tips in preventing such abuse from happening in the community. Vice Consul Allan G. Revote, head of the Consulate’s Civil Registry and Legal Section, presented an overview of the Republic Act 9262 otherwise known as the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004 (Anti-VAWC Law). Lawyer and advocate, Ms. Anna Theresa L. Licaros, complemented the conversation with a comprehensive discussion on Women Empowerment.
As addition to the campaign, the Consulate also distributed anti-VAWC collaterals in its premises and posted the 𝐼𝑛𝑓𝑜-𝑆𝑒𝑟𝑦𝑒 about RA 9262 in its official Facebook page to reach wider audience.
