PH Embassy in Ankara Supports the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence against Women

ANKARA 11 December 2020 – The Philippine Embassy in Ankara organized campaigns and activities in Izmir, Antalya and North Cyprus, with the help of Filipino community groups, in observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (VAW) and the 18-Day campaign to End Violence Against Women.

The Embassy distributed orange shirts with the VAWC logo to Filipino community leaders and members in Izmir, Antalya and North Cyprus and informed them of initiatives to promote awareness on the different forms of violence women and girls experience and provide information on laws protecting them.

In Ankara, the Embassy held an “Inspirational Talk on Women Empowerment through Paintings.” Madam Ana Algabre-Hernandez, recounting   her experiences as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) serving as a flight attendant in her earlier years, presented several paintings with underlying themes on women empowerment that impart the need for self-confidence, strength and resilience in overcoming life’s obstacles. Philippine Ambassador to Turkey Raul S. Hernandez, on the other hand, highlighted the Philippine Embassy’s support for projects and initiatives to end all forms of violence against women, explained the principles behind the VAW campaign, and assured those present of the Embassy’s unwavering assistance for OFWs.

The Embassy also uploaded a video on its social media accounts featuring the story of an OFW in Ankara who was a victim of sexual harassment. The OFW filed and won a criminal case with the help of a Turkish lawyer. In the video, she willingly recounted her experience and encouraged fellow OFWs to be strong, speak out against violence, and use legal means to stop unjustifiable acts against women.

The Turkish lawyer also narrated the assistance provided to the OFW and discussed VAW cases in Turkey, government initiative to address the issue and the services and remedies available in Turkey for VAW victims. The full video can be accessed through the following link: https://youtu.be/Q0l4qcXAqf4. END

Philippine Ambassador Raul S. Hernandez delivers his message to Filipino community leaders while Madam Ana Algabre-Hernandez gives her inspirational message on women empowerment. (Ankara PE photo)

Philippine Ambassador Raul S. Hernandez, Madam Ana Algabre-Hernandez with Embassy personnel and Filipino Community leaders in Ankara. (Ankara PE photo)

Filipino community leaders in Antalya. (Ankara PE photo)

Filipino community leaders in Izmir. (Ankara PE photo)

Filipino community leaders in North Cyprus. (Ankara PE photo)

For more information, visit https://www.ankarape.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinTurkey/.