DFA JOINS IN 18-DAY CAMPAIGN TO END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN (VAW);
UNDERSECRETARY CONEJOS LEADS PLEDGE OF MEN OPPOSED TO VAW EVERYWHERE

29 November 2006 — The Department of Foreign Affairs in partnership with the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women (NCRFW) joins the international community in commemorating the global campaign to end violence against women (VAW).

Traditionally, the annual celebration runs for 16 days but beginning this year, the Philippine campaign spans a period of 18 days from 25 November to 12 December 2006.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed Presidential Proclamation 1172 on 17 November 2006, which enjoins the Department of Foreign Affairs, other departments and government agencies of the national government, including state colleges and universities, local government units (LGUs) and all other sectors of society to actively support and participate in the protection of human rights of women against violence and all other forms of discrimination.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Esteban B. Conejos, Jr. represented the Department during the launch of the Men Opposed to VAW Everywhere (MOVE) program at the Capiz Room of Manila Pavilion on 28 November 2006. MOVE is a major highlight of this year's 18-day campaign as it aims to generate awareness against VAW and solicit the active participation of men in its prevention.

Undersecretary Conejos led the MOVE advocates in signing the pledge against violence and other forms of discrimination against women.  In his remarks, Undersecretary Conejos described the active involvement of the Department, particularly the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers' Affairs (OUMWA), in the movement against VAW.

According to the Undersecretary, more than half of the Filipino migrant workers and other nationals in distress overseas who seek the help of the Department are women.  In particular, he cited the Lebanon crisis in September where ninety 90% percent of Filipinos who were repatriated back to the country were female domestic workers.  As he narrated the more recent rape incidents in Kuwait and Qatar, he reiterated the commitment of the Department through the OUMWA in addressing VAW concerns involving Filipino women overseas, and in supporting and cooperating with other stakeholders in the implementation of local initiatives and programs against VAW.

The Department's involvement in the 18-day campaign is corollary to other gender-sensitive programs, such as the campaign against human trafficking.  END

/epa

(Home)