DFA Consular Office in Tacloban Participates in “Equal, Safe and Respectful: Creating Diverse and Inclusive Workplaces” Webinar 

“Equal, Safe and Respectful: Creating Diverse and Inclusive Workplaces” webinar. (Photo courtesy of PBCWE)

TACLOBAN 28 October 2020 – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Consular Office in Tacloban participated in the Webinar Series entitled, "Equal, Safe and Respectful: Creating Diverse and Inclusive Workplaces” conducted by the Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment (PBCWE) on 27 October 2020 via Zoom. It was attended by various agencies both from the private and public sector.

The webinar aimed to increase the awareness of sexual harassment that happens in the workplace and the vital roles of leaders and organizations in addressing the such issuest. Moreover, the webinar strongly emphasized the importance of imposing policies and reporting mechanisms as well as training and educating employees about sexual harassment in order to create an equal, safe, and respectful workplace.

The first part of the webinar discussed the sexual harassment in general as defined in existing penalties and laws in the Philippines presented by Atty. Kristine Yuzon-Chavez. This was followed by a discussion about the roles of the leaders in the organization in tackling the issues of sexual harassment and its effects to the well-being of employees by Mr. Lito Tayag. Presentor emphasized that there should be zero tolerance in any form of sexual harassment and all efforts should be made to prevent it. Organizations should create equal opportunity for all employees, a safe workplace where they can realize their full potential and a respectful environment free from harassment. Moreover, a discussion about preventing and responding to sexual harassment in the workplace was conducted by Ms. Lisa Whiffen, highlighting leaders’ role in prioritizing prevention and early intervention of sexual harassment by addressing it as a healthy and safety issue. 

The webinar was an opportunity to increase the awareness of issues like sexual harassment and gender-based inequality. Through this webinar, organizations can impose policies that will protect the welfare of its employees in order to create a culture that does not tolerate any form of harassment and disrespect. It will also provide an environment wherein all its employees will develop harmonious relationships and thrive their best to reach their maximum potentials and be efficient in their workplace. END

(Tacloban CO photo)