“Verdict” Launches PH Government Campaign to End Violence Against Women in Belgium

To jumpstart the observance of the Philippine Government’s 18-Day Campaign to End Violence against Women (VAW), the Philippine Embassy in Belgium organized a special screening of the award-winning film “Verdict” on 25 November 2019 at the Embassy premises.

“Verdict”, directed by Raymund Ribay Gutierrez and produced by Center Stage Production of renowned film-maker Brillante Mendoza, depicts the struggles and challenges encountered by a young mother, a victim of domestic violence, in her quest for justice against her abusive husband.

The film, which was awarded the Special Orizzonti Jury Prize at the 76th Venice Film Festival in September 2019, is among the films recommended by the Philippine Commission on Women for screening during the campaign to end Violence Against Women (VAW).

The screening attracted members of the Filipino community in Brussels and nearby areas, as well as on social media through a special live streaming broadcast on the Embassy’s official Facebook page to help spread the advocacy to end VAW. The event also featured video testimony by Ann Angala, a VAW survivor, who shared her personal experiences on how she was able to transcend from being a victim to becoming an empowered advocate against domestic violence. She also appealed to the audience – both women and men – to help those who have suffered abuse and violence and to support efforts to end VAW.

Philippine Ambassador to Belgium Eduardo José A. de Vega in discussion with the audience said, “The film Verdict clearly shows that VAW is a serious problem that must be addressed by all in society. Both women and men should take a stand and advocate to put an end to VAW.”

The event forms part of the Embassy’s Gender and Development (GAD) program to promote gender equality and empower women. Among the Embassy’s GAD initiatives is the Women Helping Women Network, formally launched in March 2019 in conjunction with International Women’s Day and National Women’s Month, to provide the necessary information and assistance to Filipinos in distress in Belgium, many of whom are women. The anti-VAW campaign will continue during the Embassy’s consular outreach mission in December in Luxembourg. Brochures on Philippine laws on VAW have also been disseminated to the Filipino community. (DFA PR)