18 March 2015 - The Philippine Embassy in Pretoria successfully hosted an all-day celebration of the 2015 National Women’s Month for the Filipino community on March 15.

Philippine Ambassador to South Africa Joseph Gerard B. Angeles warmly welcomed the Filipino community after the Sunday mass service at the Embassy ground and gave a presentation on the tremendous influence and significant role played by women in shaping Philippine history, going as far back as the Philippine Revolution up to the present. Ambassador Angeles remarked that one does not have to be extraordinary do great things, one only has to answer the call of duty with strength of character, resoluteness and commitment. The Ambassador encouraged all women to follow the examples set by our country’s heroines, and to continue to advocate for women empowerment.

Another presentation delivered by the Embassy updated the Filipino community on the status and progress of gender equality in the Philippines, highlighting the country’s leadership in advancing women’s rights and welfare among the countries in Asia and the Pacific. The Embassy called on women to actively participate in the decision-making process within their families, communities, and their larger society.

After lunch, guests passed the afternoon enjoying the music, dancing, and mingling with each other and with the Embassy personnel.

The event was attended by Filipino communities from South Africa’s provinces of Gauteng, mostly from Pretoria and Johannesburg, North West in the Lichtenburg and Broederstroom areas, and Western Cape, from Cape Town. Approximately 120 people celebrated the National Women’s Month at the Embassy.  END