12 March 2023 - The Philippine Embassy in Beirut conducted a Women’s Rights and Gender-based Violence (GBV) Seminar and Psychological First Aid Training for Filipino community leaders in Lebanon on 12 March 2023. The said event is part of the Embassy’s delivery of assistance-to-nationals (ATN) services and in line with the celebration of the International Women’s Month. A total of 70 Filipino community leaders attended the event.
OFW Community leaders during the women’s rights and GBV seminar and Psychological First Aid training
Awareness on women’s rights and GBV is a vital tool for Filipinos in Lebanon to take proactive roles in protecting the rights of women, promoting gender equality, and striving for an inclusive society. Women, mostly household service workers, account for more than 95% of the Filipinos in Lebanon. Amid the Philippine government’s ban on the deployment of Filipino workers bound for Lebanon and previous mass repatriation programs, the Embassy continues to deliver ATN services as there are around 17,000 Filipinos in the country.
Ambassador Raymond R. Balatbat (center) presented certificates of appreciation to Atty. Maya Mansour (L) and Atty. Joe Karam (R) for sharing their legal expertise on GBV and women rights.
Psychological First Aid (PFA) was also put into light considering that the Filipino community leaders are the main support system of its members. Focal persons for mental health from Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) discussed the basics and the importance of PFA. The awareness and practice of PFA would greatly benefit distressed OFWs as their mental health concerns can now be addressed with a proper referral network of available mechanisms in times of crisis.
Ambassador Balatbat with Philippine Embassy personnel and Filipino community leaders who attended the seminar and town hall forum.
The Philippine Embassy believes that a strong network of coordination among stakeholders is vital to fill institutional gaps and address pressing issues faced by women migrant workers in Lebanon. Its commitment to promote awareness and address key issues confronting women migrants, including human trafficking and illegal recruitment, remains a priority.
