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Press Release
PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL TAKES A DEDICATED STANCE TO END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN (VAW)
18 December 2023 - In observance of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW), the Philippine Consulate General in Chicago kicked off VAW-free Philippines activities on 27 November 2023 through a flag-raising ceremony featuring the playing of “All-Women Cast Lupang Hinirang” highlighting prolific Filipino women and women from the different sectors of society. This was followed by the reading of the VAW prayer at the consular clientele area.
Advocacy videos courtesy of the Philippine Commission on Women portraying diverse forms of VAW and providing related information on ending VAW, were continuously played in a loop for the information of the applying public. A VAW roll-up banner featuring this year's theme, United VAW Free Philippines was also displayed at the Consular Office throughout the entire campaign period.
The Consulate also gave away advocacy t-shirts to selected women applicants. Ms. Ruthcell Yrabon, a recipient of the orange-themed t-shirt remarked, “I have been hearing about this VAW campaign but only after seeing the videos at the Consulate and other campaign materials that I got a better understanding of what VAW was all about.”
The Consulate capped off the campaign with a film screening and a lecture for its personnel. Consul Ella Karina Mitra delivered a lecture on Sexual Harassment in the Workplace. Consul Mitra discussed the elements of sexual harassment and other forms of abuse proliferating in office settings. She further informed the group on the role the Department, particularly the Committee on Decorum and Investigation (CODI), plays in preventing and addressing such acts in the workplace.
Consul General J. Susana V. Paez also reminded all personnel of the duty they play in fighting sexual harassment in the workplace, and the importance and the importance of ensuring that the workplace is a safe place. /END