24 August 2013 - Officials of the International Women’s Club of Thailand (IWC) paid a courtesy call on Philippine Ambassador to Timor-Leste María Aileen H. Bugarín last August 11.

Led by its president, Ramiah Nena Thamavithya, who is of Filipino descent, the IWC delegation was in Timor-Leste to observe first-hand the realities and challenges facing Timorese women and children. As some of the delegates are faculty members of the Bangkok University, the group was also in Dili to learn more about the National University of Timor-Leste.

During the call, the group took the opportunity to learn from the only resident female ASEAN Ambassador in Dili her views and perspectives on gender issues in the country.

The IWC delegation also informed the Ambassador of its advocacy of promoting education as well as generating social interest on issues affecting women and children. Since its establishment in 1964, IWC has established a network with the region’s academic institutions, such as the Silliman University (SU) in Central Philippines. In June 2012, Ms. Ivia de Jesus Madeira Lay de Camara, the spouse of the former Timor-Leste Ambassador to Thailand, was invited to give a talk on the status of Timorese women at a conference in Dumaguete City which IWC had organized in partnership with SU.

Ambassador Bugarín commended IWC for its noble undertakings. She also conveyed her openness to work with the organization on projects of mutual interest.

After the call, the delegation was treated to a sumptuous Filipino luncheon prepared by the Ambassador. END