(25 November 2020, Honolulu, Hawaii) – The Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu joins the Philippine government’s 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) from 25 November to 12 December 2020. With the theme “VAW-free community starts with me”, the campaign hopes to raise greater public awareness on domestic violence (DV) and encourage various stakeholders to work for greater empowerment and protection of the rights and welfare of women and other vulnerable groups.

To show its support to the cause, Consulate staff wore orange shirts and masks on the first day of the 18-Day Campaign which coincides with the celebration of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

On 10 December 2020, the Consulate will host an online event, “VAW-Free Hawaii Starts with Me: A Community Forum to End Violence Against Women”. The event is organized in partnership with the Domestic Violence Action Center, Hawai'i State Commission on the Status of Women, and the Hawai’i State Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Khara Jabola-Carolus, Executive Director of the Hawai'i Commission on the Status of Women, will discuss the state of domestic violence and gender-based violence in Hawai'i, current and proposed legislation and programs to address DV. Cristina Arias, Vice President of Survivor Advocacy Services of the Domestic Violence Action Center, meanwhile, will share insights on why domestic violence is happening and what the community can do to end gender-based violence. Finally, Angelina Mercado, Executive Director of the Hawai'i State Coalition Against Domestic Violence will provide information on various programs in Hawai'i that victims can avail of in terms of shelter, legal aid, health, counselling, and other services. Interested parties can register on this link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEsf-qprjwrGdFusj0Y6OLuL1vDd-HB0rHc

The Consulate hopes that the campaign will raise awareness about VAW and result in more coordinated responses among various stakeholders to address gender-based violence and discrimination against women. (END)

Consular Officers wearing orange shirt and masks on the first day of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women

Officers and staff showing support to the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women

Event co-organized by the Consulate in support of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women