PH Embassy Empower Girl-Children of Filipino Migrant Workers in Brunei
Girl-Children of Filipino migrant workers together with their mothers take a group photo with Philippine Embassy officials led by Philippine Ambassador to Brunei Christopher B. Montero (third from right) and Resource Speakers Ms. Nur Judy Binti Abdullah, Founder and Executive Director of Project Women Brunei (center), and Sienna Holmes, Bugtaw Philippines (third from left) during the Dialogue on Prevention on Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation at the Philippine Embassy. (Brunei PE photo)
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN 27 November 2020 - In observance of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW), the Philippine Embassy in Brunei Darussalam successfully held a Gender and Development (GAD) Dialogue on “Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation” on 22 November 2020 at the Philippine Chancery.
The event aimed to raise awareness on the promotion and protection of the rights of women and girl-children, including the prevention of child sexual abuse and exploitation within and outside their homes, including in social media. A total of 21 young girls, aged 10 to 18 years old, who were all accompanied by their mothers, attended the event.
In his opening remarks, Philippine Ambassador to Brunei Christopher B. Montero noted the strong commitment of the Philippine Government in upholding women’s rights, including the need to empower them by knowing their rights, the available courses of action in case of violations, speaking out and encouraging others to fight for their rights. He cited the underlying gender issues of violence and abuse that are aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically on marginalized and vulnerable sectors, including girl children of migrant workers.
The event included discussion on various forms of violence and abuse committed on girl-children that are prevalent in both local and international contexts, as well as the mechanisms available for victims; showing of the animated film “Red Leaves Falling” telling a story of child abuse and neglect; workshop on “sexual abuse and exploitation” and prevention; and a story-telling session promoting literacy and love for reading.
The Embassy, in partnership with the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Office, regularly conducts GAD activities that promote gender and development issues for the benefit of Filipinos in Brunei, particularly for their empowerment and enhanced productivity. END
Philippine Ambassador to Brunei Christopher B. Montero (standing at podium) delivers his Welcome Remarks. (Brunei PE photo)
Nur Judy Bindti Abdullah, Founder and Executive Director of Project Women Brunei, delivers a presentation on the topic: Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation. (Brunei PE photo)
Ms. Sienna Holmes of Bugtaw Philippines reads the story of “The Giving Tree” to the girl children-participants in celebration of National Children’s Month. (Brunei PE photo)
(Brunei PE photo)
Girl-participants (photos above) and mothers (photo below) in a group discussion with Project Women volunteers and facilitators. (Brunei PE photo)
Philippine Embassy officials welcome and distribute Information materials on Ending VAW and simple tokens to the girl-children -participants at the dialogue event. (Brunei PE photo)