PH Embassy in Moscow Conducts Seminar to End Violence Against Women
MOSCOW 25 November 2024 – The Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines to the Russian Federation recently conducted a seminar in support of the Philippines’ 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women, which starts every November 25 and ends on December 12.
The Seminar aimed to provide available platforms to effectively prevent and address violence against women, especially female migrant workers, and to help equip the participants with tools to avoid the risk of being a victim of violence.
Ambassador Igor G. Bailen in his opening remarks explained that women’s rights are human rights as enshrined in international instruments, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). He encouraged the participants to be vigilant against violence against women as well as introduced women’s organizations that can assist victim-survivors.
Three (3) speakers discussed gender-based violence.
Atty. Leslie C. Escosura-Bustamante, Third Secretary and Vice Consul of the Philippine Embassy in Moscow, discussed Republic Act No. 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004 and other relevant laws, such as RA 8353 (Anti-Rape Law), RA 11648 (on the age of consent), and RA 11313 (Safe Spaces Act) in relation to RA 7877 (Anti-Sexual Harassment Act), to provide the Philippine context of the campaign.
Ms. Anastasia Babicheva, Head of “Awareness Can Stop Gender-Based Violence,” provided a description of gender-based violence, relevant approaches to prevent violence, and a step-by-step process for non-violent relations. She also provided a practical tool to manage energy and emotions by teaching participants how to use a “mood map” to gauge and improve mental health and well-being.
Ms. Amalia Steits, Psychologist Curator of “Big Brothers Big Sisters Foundation,” discussed effects of parental absence due to migration and ways to cope from long-distance parenting. She provided effective ways to respond to atypical development, psychological difficulties, and attachment disorder, such as maintaining a self-care journal.
The seminar concluded with the closing remarks of Deputy Head of Mission and Consul General Lorenza Arlene Gonzales-Macaisa. She provided the highlights of the discussions and emphasized the importance of women supporting other women in the fight against gender-based violence. END
For more information, visit https://www.moscowpe.dfa.gov.ph, or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinRussia/, https://twitter.com/phlinrussia or https://www.instagram.com/phlinrussia/.