Phnom Penh, 07 December 2024 – The Philippine Embassy, in partnership with the Embassy of India, hosted in Phnom Penh today an awareness campaign to end Violence Against Women (VAW).

In her opening remarks, the Philippine Ambassador to Cambodia, Her Excellency Flerida Ann Camille P. Mayo demonstrated the relevance of the campaign through a quick survey that showed the prevalence of gender-based violence or abuse.  “Indeed, in times of distress, we could help ourselves by making our own minds a safe space to regain our inner strengths. I encourage our participants to explore this session as one of many ways available for women’s self-empowerment,” she suggested.

Dubbed “Breathe! A Meditation Exercise as Psychological First Aid”, the guided meditation was led by Her Excellency, Dr. Devyani Khobragade, Ambassador of India to Cambodia, who shared her knowledge of Vipassana -- an ancient technique to train the mind to accept “things as they really are”. She taught the participants helpful breathing exercises that showed the profound link between mind and body.

Members of the Filipino community in Cambodia, as well as personnel of both embassies, joined the activity designed to improve mental resilience in the face of stressful situations.  

The Embassies of the Philippines and India initiated the activity in support of the annual 18-Day Campaign to End Violence against Women (VAW) held from 25 November to 12 December in the Philippines. END