PH Embassy in Russia holds lecture, discussion on Violence Against Women

Vice Consul Anna Marie Guerra (left) and Vice Consul Grace Perpetua (right) discuss with the Embassy personnel issues on human rights and gender-based violence. (Photos by V. Cara) 

MOSCOW, 13 December 2021 – The Philippine Embassy in Moscow held a special lecture on Violence Against Women in observance of the Philippine Commission on Women’s 18-Day Campaign to End Violence against Women (VAW) for the Embassy personnel on 01 December 2021.

Vice Consul Anna Marie Guerra presented statistics on gender-based violence, as well as ways to help victims or prevent incidents altogether. She likewise presented Philippine Laws which are aimed at protecting and advancing the rights of women.

Violence negatively affects women’s general well-being and prevents women from fully participating in society. It impacts their families, their community, and the country at large. It has tremendous costs, from greater strains on health care to legal expenses and losses in productivity.

Vice Consul Grace Perpetua also discussed an underreported aspect of gender-based violence—abuse committed against men. In studies, it was found that men are less likely to report incidences of harassment and violence compared to women, and this has something to do with the macho culture. For a society to achieve gender quality, men’s experiences should be acknowledged as much as women’s. 

In her presentation, Vice Consul Catherine Alpay discussed the importance of having a strong support system for abused victims, particularly in reporting cases and protecting victims against perpetrators. She added that Interpersonal relations play a vital role in ensuring that abused victims gain the courage to report incidences of violence. 

Finally, for his closing remarks, Charge d’Affaires Robert Ferrer emphasized the importance of mutual respect and care in building a strong relationship with one’s spouse and a healthy gender dynamic in the home, citing inspirational Biblical passages to support his point. END

Charge d’Affaires Robert Ferrer during his closing remarks. (Moscow PE photo)

(Moscow PE photos)

For more information, visit https://www.moscowpe.dfa.gov.ph, or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinRussia/ or https://twitter.com/phlinrussia.