click photo for video

13 December 2023, Ottawa - To cap its observance of  the 18-day campaign to End Violence Against Women and Children (END VAWC), the Embassy of the Philippines in Canada, in cooperation with Immigrant Women Services Ottawa, organized a seminar on "Preventing Gender-Based Violence among Immigrant Women", on 11 December 2023 at the Mindanao Hall of the Chancery.

The seminar aims to inform participants of the various types of domestic violence; available assistance to victims of domestic violence, including the organizations/communities providing support, counseling, and shelters; and practical tips and measures in creating a safety plan.

In her opening remarks, Philippine Ambassador Maria Andrelita Austria shared that ending violence against women and children is not just a campaign; it is a commitment to uphold dignity, respect, and safety for all. Ambassador Austria added that our continuing efforts and initiatives to fight against gender-based violence are a step towards a safer, more inclusive society where every woman, immigrant or otherwise, can live free from fear and violence. Ambassador Austria encouraged the participants in building a future where gender-based violence will no longer exist.

Seminar guest speakers, Josephine Basudde, Manager, Crisis Intervention and Counselling Services, Immigrant Women Services Ottawa (IWSO) provided the participants with information about IWSO and understanding gender-based violence and domestic violence. Detective Mike Dosdall of Intimate Partner Violence Unit and Donna Watson-Elliot of the Victim Support Unit of the Ottawa Police Service shared an overview of functions of their offices, respectively. Canada’s Minister of Small Business, Rechie Valdez, also graced the event and encouraged the participants to continue the fight against gender-based violence which continues to plague immigrant families. END.