PH Embassy in Jordan Holds Film Screening for 18-Day Campaign to End VAW
Left photo: Philippine Ambassador Wilfredo C. Santos delivers his welcoming remarks. Right photo: Members of the Filipino Community wear the VAW-free orange t-shirt and pose with the Anti-VAW hand signal on 01 December 2023 at the Chancery.
AMMAN 01 December 2023 - As part of the 2023 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) with the theme "UNiTEd for VAW-Free Philippines," the Philippine Embassy in Jordan conducted a screening of the film "Verdict" on 01 December 2023.
Written and directed by Raymund Ribay Gutierrez, “Verdict” is about a battered wife’s fight for justice. The film received the Orizzonti Special Jury Prize during the 76th Venice Film Festival in September 2019 and was only the Southeast Asian film to be featured in the said festival.
According to the World Health Organization, about 1 in 3 women (35%) worldwide have experience either physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime. As such, the United Nations launched UNiTE by 2030 to End Violence against Women campaign (UNiTE), a multi-year effort aimed at preventing and eliminating violence against women and girls (VAWG) worldwide.
In his welcoming remarks, Philippine Ambassador Wilfredo C. Santos reiterates the importance of raising awareness on gender-based violence. The Ambassador stated that “The 18-day Campaign to End VAW is not just a mere observance; it is a call to action, a collective stand against the injustices that persist in our societies. It signifies our community's commitment to combat all forms of abuse and infringement on women's rights. It is an opportunity to highlight our collective dream for a society where everyone, regardless of gender, can live free from any form of violence.”
“Our commitment to ending violence is not confined to borders or nationalities; it is a universal pledge that transcends cultural nuances. We cannot deny that issues of violence against women exist in various parts of the world, regardless of nationalities. Through our collaboration, we can change the narrative and have a positive impact on our society,” he added.
Around 25 members of the Filipino community and several Embassy personnel attended the film screening.
After the screening, the Embassy’s GAD Focal Point Person and Second Secretary and Consul Angeli A. Payumo engaged the Filipino community in a candid discussion of their reflections about the film. Consul Payumo also apprised them of the Embassy’s plans to strengthen its measures in response to VAW.
The 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women is annually observed from 25 November to 12 December pursuant to Proclamation No. 1172, series of 2006. END
After the screening, the Embassy’s GAD Focal Point Person and Second Secretary and Consul Angeli A. Payumo (bottom right) engages the Filipino community in a candid discussion of their reflections about the film. Consul Payumo also apprised them of the Embassy’s plans to strengthen its measures in response to VAW.
Members of the Filipino Community during a photo op.
Clockwise: Alternate GAD Focal Point Person Daphne S. Sarion prepares popcorn and other snacks and Ms. Mariella S. Masiglat facilitates the registration and distributes the End VAW T-shirt to the participants.