Philippine Honorary Consul Abdulla Salih opened the activity followed by a message from non-resident Ambassador to Maldives Vicente Vivencio T. Bandillo.

Both emphasized the need for a safe and secure working environment and the Government of the Philippines’ mandate to give security and protection to Filipinos abroad. 

Minister Aminath Zenysha Shaheed Zaki of the Maldives Ministry of Gender and Family graced the event as the guest of honor. She explained that although international migration offers many favourable opportunities for women, commonly found however, is the vulnerability to discrimination, exploitation and abuse.  She added that the activity as a strong positive step to sensitize and create awareness amongst workers from the Philippines in Maldives. 

Ambassador Bandillo handed over Philippine books regarding gender equality to Minister Zenysha after her speech.

Speakers of the lecture came from the Ministry of Gender and Family, Maldives Police Service, Maldives Immigration, Labour Relations Authority and Employment Tribunal. The lecture was attended by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), overseas Filipinos and Maldivian human resource managers who all interacted positively with the speakers during the open forum. END.

Participants of the lecture pose with Ambassador Bandillo (seated sixth from the left) and Maldives Minister of Gender and Family Aminath Zenysha Shaheed Zaki (center).

Speakers from Labour Relations Authority, Maldives Immigration and Employment Tribunal during the open forum.