PH Embassy in Athens Observes 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW)

ATHENS 27 December 2023 – In solidarity with the global effort to eradicate violence against women, the Philippine Embassy in Athens, in collaboration with the Migrant Workers Office and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in Athens, Greece, spearheaded a series of impactful activities throughout the 18-day campaign to End Violence against Women.

On 19 November 2023, MWO and OWWA hosted a forum on mental health.  The event drew the participation of 101 Filipinos, 81 of whom were women.  Kicking off the program, Labor Attaché Cynthia R. Cruz delivered opening remarks, while Consul Therese R. Cantada, the Embassy’s Gender and Development Focal Point Officer, provided an overview of Violence against Women. Ambassador Giovanni E. Palec delivered a keynote message, paving the way for the informative forum led by Ms. Grace Nickel.  Participants were presented with orange hats, representing the campaign’s color, symbolizing a bright future free from violence against women.

Following the forum, a medical screening was conducted, offering free health services including blood sugar and cholesterol testing, underscoring the Embassy’s commitment to the overall well-being of the Filipino community in Greece.

The Embassy conducted field registration of Overseas Filipino Voters in Heraklion and Thessaloniki, Greece on 19 November and 10 December, respectively.  Applicants were provided with information materials on Philippine laws pertaining to violence against women and children and orange masks.  First Secretary and Consul Judy Robianes enlightened participants about the campaign’s significance, urging them to speak up for themselves or on behalf of victims of violence.

On 28 November 2023, Embassy officers and staff donned orange clothing during the flag raising ceremony, demonstrating a visual commitment to the cause.

On 4 December, during the Regional Coordination Meeting for European Posts held in Athens, in keeping with the commitment to end VAW, the Embassy made a special presentation on violence against migrant workers.  

These activities underscore the Philippine Embassy’s unwavering commitment to promoting awareness, fostering solidarity and providing support to end violence against women. The Embassy remains steadfast in its dedication to the welfare and empowerment of the Filipino community in Greece. END

For more information, visit  https://www.athenspe.dfa.gov.ph,  https://www.facebook.com/PHLinGreece/.