16 April 2015 – Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand Virginia H. Benavidez attended the International Women’s Day Breakfast hosted by Minister of Women Louise Upston, in association with the UN Women National Committee for Aotearoa NZ and Zonta Club of Welington, on March 06 at the Banquet Hall, Parliament, Wellington.

At the invitation of Minister Upston, Ambassador Benavidez joined women from different professions, positions and advocacies, girls from colleges and participants from various sectors in highlighting the roles and accomplishments of women and their continuing important contributions to development, gender equality and empowerment for positive and life transformation. Solomon Islands Ambassador Joy Finioa Kere and female Members of Parliament were also present.

Welcome and international messages were delivered by Ms. Angela McLeod, President, and Ms. Sue Kedgley of the UN Women NC Aotearoa NZ.

As guest speakers, Minister Upston and Dr. Marilyn Waring, CNZM, Chair and Professor of Institute of Public Policy at Auckland University of Technology (AUT), shared their respective insights and experiences in the empowerment of women and girls. This year’s theme on International Women’s Day is “Empowering Women, Empowering Humanity.”

Zonta Club of Wellington President Dr. Jan Pearson thanked Minister Upston, Dr. Waring, the organizers and guests in her closing remarks.

The annual International Women’s Day Breakfast at Parliament provided an excellent platform and valuable opportunity to highlight and present women’s far-reaching development, sustained commitment, powerful voices, meaningful impact and inspiring influence across all sectors, levels and aspects of life in New Zealand and the global community.

The Philippine Embassy’s Information Officer Ma. Katrina Ciara P. Garcia and the wife of Vice Consul Glenn Obach, Dorothy, joined Ambassador Benavidez on this significant occasion. END