PH Embassy in Brasilia conducts Gender Sensitivity Training for embassy staff and Filipino community

The Philippine Embassy in Brasilia conducted a Gender Sensitivity training for the Embassy staff and the Filipino Community on March 23 as part of its activities in support of Women’s Month.

Philippine Ambassador to Brazil Eva G. Betita welcomed the Filipino community and Brazilian friends to the Philippine Embassy.  Third Secretary and Vice Consul Carlyn A. Monastrial discussed gender inequality, international and national mandates in support of women, such as the Convention for Elimination of Discrimination Against Women, the Beijing Platform for Action, the Magna Carta of Women and Violence Against Women.  Vice Consul Monastrial also discussed the importance of understanding cultural differences between the Philippines and Brazil that might lead to misunderstandings between the sexes, and stressed the need for women to speak up in situations that make them feel uncomfortable.

The Philippine Embassy informed the Filipino Community of its mandate to protect and assist Filipinos, particularly Filipinos in distress, and informed the women about Lei Maria da Penha, Brazil’s Federal Law 11340, which is aimed at addressing problems relating to violence against women, particularly domestic violence.

The discussion was followed by an open forum where the concerns of the Filipino women in the community were addressed.  The event culminated in a simple merienda of Filipino food such as pansit, chicken empanada and puto kuchinta.

Press release and photos courtesy of the Department of Foreign Affairs, 01 April 2014.