27 May 2014 - The Philippine Consulate General in Milan organized a seminar on “Gender Awareness and Violence Against Women” on May 24 at the Consulate General’s Community Hall. The seminar aimed to increase the level of awareness and understanding of Consulate General personnel on issues related to gender and violence against women. 

The resource speaker was Ms. Charito Basa, Chair of the Filipino Women’s Council, an organization of women migrants based in Rome.

In her remarks, Philippine Consul General in Milan Mauro said that it was the first time that a seminar on gender sensitivity was organized at the Consulate General. She expressed her appreciation of the presence of a resource speaker to tackle the matter. She added that though it may take years for personnel to become fully gender sensitive, she promised a “gender-responsive governance” at the Consulate General.

Ms. Basa talked on gender awareness by first differentiating the terms sex and gender and presenting gender terminologies such as gender stereotypes, gender equality, and gender equity. She said that approaches to gender equality include equal treatment between men and women and positive action which recognizes not only the similarities but also the special needs of both men and women. She also dwelt on the concept of gender mainstreaming and added that in reaching a gender sensitive policy, it is very important to include training.

On violence against women, Ms. Basa said that violence is not limited to physical violence but also includes sexual, verbal, mental and economic violence. She also provided some Italian policies on violence against women.

The seminar was characterized by a frank discussion against the backdrop of a friendly atmosphere. Each participant was given with a Certificate of Participation. It ended with a sumptuous lunch shared by the participants. END