PH EMBASSY IN NAIROBI ENGAGES WITH KENYAN AND RWANDAN INSTITUTIONS IN CAMPAIGN TO END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN
Isange One Stop Centre (IOSC) National Coordinator Shafiga Murebwayire provides PH Ambassador Marie Charlotte G. Tang a tour of the Centre’s facilities for the victims of GBV. (Photo by IOSC)
NAIROBI, 13 December 2023 – In observance of the Philippines’ 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women, the Philippine Embassy in Nairobi exchanged views, experiences, and best practices with various institutions that cater to survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) in Kenya and Rwanda.
On 05 December 2023, Philippine Ambassador Marie Charlotte G. Tang, visited the Isange One Stop Centre (IOSC) in Kigali, Rwanda. Established in 2009 as a joint initiative of the Rwandan government, UN Women and UN Population Fund (UNFPA), the IOSC provides medical, legal, forensic, psychosocial, and safety services to survivors of violence and abuse, predominantly women and girls. The name 'Isange' translates to "Feel free/Feel welcome," symbolizing a haven of security and openness for the survivors.
Ms. Shafiga Murebwayire, IOSC National Coordinator, explained the interventions being undertaken by the Centre to assist women and children. She also provided a tour of the facilities, offering the Embassy valuable insights into holistic, innovative, and survivor-centered approaches to addressing GBV.
During her visit to Kigali, Ambassador Tang also paid a courtesy call on Dr. Valentine Umwamariya, Minister of Gender and Family Promotion of Rwanda, to exchange views on promoting gender equality and eliminating GBV. Ambassador Tang, in particular, shared the Philippines’ Gender and Development (GAD) program across all units of the government, reflecting the country’s strong commitment to mainstream gender issues.
The Philippines and Rwanda are leaders in Asia and Africa, respectively, in promoting gender equality. In the 2023 Global Gender Gap Index, the Philippines ranked 16th, while Rwanda ranked 12th, out of 146 countries surveyed.
Meanwhile, on 24 November 2023, the Philippine Embassy, represented by Consul Maria Rosanna O. Josue, Vice Consul and Embassy’s GAD Focal Point Louie Dane C. Merced, and Alternate GAD Focal Point Sherlyn M. Roxas, met with the Kenyan Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), led by Executive Director Anne Ireri.
FIDA-Kenya, a leading women's rights organization in Kenya, is known for its extensive legal aid services, offering assistance to women facing various forms of injustice, including domestic violence, property and inheritance disputes, and issues related to family law. FIDA also focuses on capacity building and empowerment programs for women, aiming to increase their legal literacy and ability to assert their rights.
FIDA-Kenya provided the Embassy with information on Kenya's legal systems and advocacy efforts to protect women from violence. The Embassy and FIDA-Kenya expressed interest to explore collaborative projects in the future, including by engaging Filipino women living in Kenya.
In accordance with Republic Act 10398, the Philippines observes the National Consciousness Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Children every 25 November. In 2006, Proclamation 1172 extended the annual national campaign to 18 days, up to 12 December, the date that marked the signing of the 2000 UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children, to supplement the UN Convention Against Transnational Organized Crimes. This campaign underscores the Philippine government's dedication to safeguarding the women’s and girls’ human rights and combating all forms of gender-based violence. END
IOSC National Coordinator Murebwayire shows the room dedicated for young children who have suffered abuse.
From right: Vice Consul and Embassy’s GAD Focal Point Louie Dane C. Merced, IOSC National Coordinator Murebwayire, Ambassador Tang, Consul Rachel Lynn V. Pineda of PH Honorary Consulate in Kigali, and Attaché and Embassy’s Alternate GAD Focal Point Ms. Sherlyn Roxas. (Photo by IOSC)
Ambassador Tang presents Minister of Gender and Family Promotion Dr. Valentine Uwamariya with a Filipiniana gift after their discussion on possible areas of collaboration on gender.
FIDA-Kenya Executive Director Anne Ireri talks about Kenya's legal systems and FIDA-Kenya’s advocacy efforts to protect women from violence.
Consul Maria Rosanna O. Josue (center), Vice Consul Merced (second to the right), and Attaché Roxas (rightmost) with the officials of FIDA-Kenya.
