PHL Embassy in New Zealand Hosts Forum in the Role of Women in International Peace, Security and Development

From left to right: Ambassador Jesus S. Domingo moderates the discussion with Dr. Anna Powles, Senior Lecturer, Massey University Centre for Defence and Security Studies.

18 April 2017 WELLINGTON — The Philippine Embassy in Wellington, in cooperation with Massey University, hosted a seminar on the Role of Women in International Peace, Security and Development with Dr. Anna Powles, Senior Lecturer at the University’s Centre for Defence and Security Studies, as guest speaker.

Ambassador Domingo also paid tribute to distinguished women in Philippine Government such as Dr. Gloria Jumamil-Mercado, Deputy Cabinet Secretary at the Office of the President and first female Commodore of the Philippine Navy Reserve Force; Ambassador Rosario Manalo, one of the country’s most accomplished diplomats who currently holds a seat in the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW); and the late Senator Leticia Ramos-Shahani, a formidable women's rights advocate, staunch environmentalist, and seasoned diplomat. He also featured the achievements of his women predecessors at the Philippine Embassy and the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Dr. Powles discussed the need to further encourage and promote women’s involvement in peace and security, particularly in conflict resolution, peace negotiations, combatting human trafficking and addressing climate change. She underscored that as women comprise the greater number of victims of war, conflict, crime, and disasters, they present valuable insights and alternative views which can significantly help the development of peace and security frameworks. END