PH Embassy in Dhaka Conducts First GAD Activity in Maldives

Ambassador Vicente Vivencio T. Bandillo (left) presents a plaque of appreciation to Maldives Minister of Gender and Family Aminath Zenysha Shaheed Zaki (center) with Philippine Honorary Consul Abdulla Salih (right). (Dhaka PE photo)

MALE 12 November 2018 – To ensure that Filipinos have access to information on Philippine policies on women and development, the Philippine Embassy in Dhaka, in collaboration with Philippine Consulate in Malé, conducted the 1st Gender Awareness and Development (GAD) activity in Maldives entitled Labor-Related Concerns Including Sexual Harassment and Domestic Violence Issues Lecture to the Filipino Community in Maldives on 27 October 2018 at Champa Central Hotel in Male.

Philippine Honorary Consul Abdulla Salih opened the activity followed by a message from non-resident Ambassador to Maldives Vicente Vivencio T. Bandillo.

Both emphasized the need for a safe and secure working environment and the Government of the Philippines’ mandate to give security and protection to Filipinos abroad. 

Minister Aminath Zenysha Shaheed Zaki of the Maldives Ministry of Gender and Family graced the event as the guest of honor. She explained that although international migration offers many favourable opportunities for women, commonly found however, is the vulnerability to discrimination, exploitation and abuse.  She added that the activity as a strong positive step to sensitize and create awareness amongst workers from the Philippines in Maldives. 

Ambassador Bandillo handed over Philippine books regarding gender equality to Minister Zenysha after her speech.

Speakers of the lecture came from the Ministry of Gender and Family, Maldives Police Service, Maldives Immigration, Labour Relations Authority and Employment Tribunal. The lecture was attended by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), overseas Filipinos and Maldivian human resource managers who all interacted positively with the speakers during the open forum.  END

For more information, visit www.dhakape.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinBangladesh/

Participants of the lecture pose with Ambassador Bandillo (seated sixth from the left) and Maldives Minister of Gender and Family Aminath Zenysha Shaheed Zaki (center). (Dhaka PE photo)

Speakers from Labour Relations Authority, Maldives Immigration and Employment Tribunal during the open forum. (Dhaka PE photo)