Phl joins London summit to end sexual violence

MANILA, Philippines - A delegation of senior Filipino women who have played key roles in conflict resolution and peace building will take part in the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict that will be held in London this week.

The summit, which starts tomorrow and runs until Friday, will be the biggest gathering on this issue.

To be chaired by British Foreign Secretary William Hague and UN special envoy Angelina Jolie, the meeting aims to end the culture of impunity on the use of sexual violence, both as a tool and a side effect of war worldwide.

It will also recognize the important role that women play in peace building.

The summit is expected to attract high-ranking government officials, civil society leaders and experts from around 148 countries.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles will lead the Philippine delegation.

The summit is seen to provide a global platform for the Philippine delegation to share the significant contribution of women to the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, thereby empowering other women to take a pro-active role in shaping their future.

Also joining the Philippine delegation are two young winners of a national essay competition.

Jill Angeli Bacasmas and Ma. Reinna Salcedo Bermudez were selected from over 200 applicants from across the country who expressed their thoughts on how to address the issue of sexual violence in areas of conflict and the role of women as agents of change to prevent a culture of impunity.

The two will represent the Philippines in the Youth Day of the summit.

A foreign service training specialist, Bacasmas said the summit can help her design and conduct training programs on gender and development.

Meanwhile, Bermudez, a program assistant for an international humanitarian organization, said the summit will provide her with fresh ideas that “will be crucial in providing a gender lens with psychosocial support in helping people live dignified lives, through the creation of community-based project proposals aiming to empower women and young girls.”

In a joint message, British Ambassador Asif Ahmad and Australian Ambassador Bill Tweddell said they want the summit “to be the moment that the world wakes up and says that rape and sexual violence are not an inevitable part of war.”