Philippines, India Join Forces in Cambodia to Support Global Campaign to End Violence Against Women 

Indian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia Dr. Devyani Khobragade shares her knowledge of Vipassana meditation at the Philippine Embassy-hosted “Breathe! A Meditation Exercise as Psychological First Aid”. (Phnom Penh PE photo)

PHNOM PENH 27 December 2024 – The Philippine Embassy, in partnership with the Embassy of India, hosted in Phnom Penh on 07 December 2024 an awareness campaign to end Violence Against Women (VAW). 

In her opening remarks, the Philippine Ambassador to Cambodia Flerida Ann Camille P. Mayo demonstrated the relevance of the campaign through a quick survey that showed the prevalence of gender-based violence or abuse.  “Indeed, in times of distress, we could help ourselves by making our own minds a safe space to regain our inner strengths. I encourage our participants to explore this session as one of many ways available for women’s self-empowerment,” she suggested.

Dubbed “Breathe! A Meditation Exercise as Psychological First Aid”, the guided meditation was led by Her Excellency, Dr. Devyani Khobragade, Ambassador of India to Cambodia, who shared her knowledge of Vipassana -- an ancient technique to train the mind to accept “things as they really are”. She taught the participants helpful breathing exercises that showed the profound link between mind and body. 

Members of the Filipino community in Cambodia, as well as personnel of both embassies, joined the activity designed to improve mental resilience in the face of stressful situations.    

The Embassies of the Philippines and India initiated the activity in support of the annual 18-Day Campaign to End Violence against Women (VAW) held from 25 November to 12 December in the Philippines. END 

Philippine Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia Flerida Ann Camille P. Mayo presents a token of appreciation to Indian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia Dr. Devyani Khobragade. (Phnom Penh PE photo)

For more information, visit https://www.phnompenhpe.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.facebook.com/PHLinCambodia/