The Philippine Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa commemorated on 01 March 2024 the start of the 2024 National Women’s Month Celebration (NWCM) by wearing purple to signify support for women’s empowerment and gender equality. All Fridays during NWCM are known as #PurpleFridays.
According to the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), this year’s theme of “Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas: Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, Patutunayan!” calls for a ‘new Philippines’ where women are given equitable opportunities and not hindered by gender biases and discriminatory stereotypes. The theme’s second part showcases and harnesses the full potentials of women and girls in actively engaging in and reaping the benefits of national growth and development.
Information, education, and communication materials provided by the PCW to highlight the theme will be made available to consular clients throughout the entire month of March.
A ‘Kiddie Corner’ was set up in the Consular Section which would serve as a reading and mini-play area for visiting children. This initiative is part of the Embassy’s efforts to contribute to the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Gender and Development Goal to create a workplace that pursues and promotes gender equality by providing access to childcare facility. Other gender-responsive facilities already installed at the Embassy include a baby/lactating station and the male/female/PWD restrooms.
