03 March 2015 - As part of its efforts to empower women migrants, the Permanent Mission of the Philippines to the United Nations Office and Other International Organizations/ Philippine Consulate General and the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Geneva organized a Forum on Violence Against Women on February 22.

The resource speaker of the Women’s Wellness Series: A Discussion on Violence Against Women was Dr. Avni Amin, an Official from the Department of Reproductive Health and Research of the World Health Organization. She explained the different types of violence against women, the remedies afforded to women subjected to violence under Swiss laws and the centers and institutions which assist the victims of violence.

In her remarks, Philippine Ambassador Cecilia B. Rebong underscored the importance of raising awareness on issues which affect women migrants and emphasized the commitment of the Philippine Government to raise public awareness on the problem of violence and the elimination of all forms of violence against women and children.

The Filipino community expressed their appreciation to the Philippine Mission/Consulate General for organizing such fora which inform them of their rights and contribute to their well-being.

Dr. June Caridad Pagaduan Lopez, only Filipino member of the Human Rights Optional Protocol on the Sub-Committee on Prevention of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman Treatment or Punishment, and Dr. Nicole C. Schmidt, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hospital University of Geneva, likewise graced the event.

The Forum on Violence Against Women is the second discussion under the Mission/Consulate General’s program Women’s Wellness Series, established to promote gender and development for Filipino migrants in Geneva and Vaud. It may be recalled that the first forum: Kalusugan ng Kababaihan-- A forum on Women’s Health and Wellness, was held in November 2014. END