Participants during the VAWC Seminar pose for a group photo with Ms. Leyla Soydinç from Mor Çati Women's Shelter Foundation  (Istanbul PCG photo).

Istanbul, Türkiye, 13 November 2023 -  The Philippine Consulate General in Istanbul, under the leadership of Consul General Shirlene C. Mananquil, partnered with the Mor Çati Women's Shelter Foundation to successfully conduct its first in-person seminar on Combatting Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) on 12 November 2023 at Hyatt Centric Hotel in Istanbul, Türkiye, following the pandemic.

Consul General Mananquil welcomed the participants and expressed the Consulate’s hope to further empower our kababayan in Türkiye by increasing their awareness and understanding of Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC). The seminar aimed to equip attendees with significant information about their rights, how to protect themselves as women, and the relevant laws governing this important issue.

Ms. Leyla Soydinç from Mor Çatı shared her insights and expertise during the seminar, covering various topics, including the types, dynamics, and effects of VAWC, VAWC-related legislation, mechanisms, and services available for Filipinos in Türkiye, including dedicated hotline numbers in cases of emergency.

Over 50 participants, composed mainly of workers and housewives, as well as students, attended the seminar, and received certificates from the Consulate General. The seminar was also livestreamed via the Consulate’s Facebook Page.

The seminar is part of the Consulate General’s Assistance to Nationals (ATN) and Gender and Development (GAD) initiatives for the year, supporting the annual 18-Day Campaign to End VAW, which will commence on 25 November 2023. END

Consul General Shirlene C. Mananquil gives her opening remarks, expressing  the Consulate’s aim to increase the Filipino community’s, especially women, awareness and understanding of Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC).  (Istanbul PCG photo).

Filipino women and students, together with PCG Personnel, listen intently during the presentation of Ms. Soydinç  (Istanbul PCG photo). 

One of the woman participants asks a question to the speaker during the Q&A segment (Istanbul PCG photo).

PCG personnel with Ms. Leyla Soydinç from Mor Çati express support for ending VAW (Istanbul PCG photo).