08 December 2015 - The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong SAR, in cooperation with the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC), RainLily and the Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation, organized a one-day interactive workshop and free medical consultation for women overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in various shelters in Hong Kong last November 27 at Bayanihan Centre, Kennedy Town.

Titled “Babae,Natatangi,” the event was done pursuant to Republic Act 10398 (An Act Declaring November 25 of Every Year as “National Consciousness Day For The Elimination Of Violence Against Women And Children"), Section 31 of Republic Act 9710 (Provision of gender-responsive, rights-based and culture sensitive services and interventions to Women in Especially Difficult Circumstances), and Section 26 of Republic Act 9710 (Right to Information regarding policies on women, including programs, projects and funding outlays that affect them).

Almost 40 participants from five different shelters in Hong Kong—Migrant Workers and Other Filipinos Resource Center (POLO), Bethune House Shelter (Mission for Migrant Workers), Diocesan Pastoral Centre for Filipinos, Jesus is Lord, and New Beginnings. 

The day started with a sexual harassment lecture/workshop by Ms. Niru Vishwanath, Equal Opportunities Officer, Equal Opportunities Commission. Ms. Vishwanath introduced the 4 Anti-Discrimination laws (Sex, Disability, Family Status and Race) in Hong Kong SAR, particularly the unlawful actions under them.

Ms. Janice Chan, Ethnic Minority and Migrant Worker Project Officer of RainLily, then gave a self-protection class. Ms. Chan defined sexual violence and actions that may constitute the same and proceeded to give an extended version of the self-protection class she gave to Consulate General personnel a week before.

Thereafter, participants availed of the free breast screening (particularly for those aged 40 and above) provided by the Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation led by Ms. Grace Chung and psycho-social counselling with Social Welfare Attaché Elizabeth L. Dy.

The “Babae, Natatangi” is the fourth project under Consulate General’s Gender and Development Program for 2015. END