As the Philippine Embassy continues to engage closely and extensively with women in the multicultural, business, professional, civic organizations and other sectors, Ambassador Virginia H. Benavidez attended the International Women’s Day Breakfast hosted by Hon. Louise Upston, Minister of Women in association with the UN Women National Committee for Aotearoa NZ and Zonta Club of Welington on 6 March 2015 at the Banquet Hall, Parliament, Wellington. At the invitation of Minister Upston, Ambassador Virginia H. Benavidez joined women from different professions, positions and advocacies, girls from colleges and participants from various sectors in highlighting the roles and accomplishments of women and their continuing important contributions to development, gender equality and empowerment for positive and life transforming change. The Ambassador of Solomon Islands, H.E. Joy Finioa Kere and women Members of Parliament were also present.

Welcome and international messages were delivered by Ms. Angela McLeod, President and Ms. Sue Kedgley of the UN Women NC Aotearoa NZ.

The guest speakers, Hon. Louise Upston and Dr. Marilyn Waring, CNZM, Chair and Professor of Institute of Public Policy at Auckland University of Technology (AUT) shared their respective insights, views and experiences on the empowerment of women and girls. This year’s theme on International Women’s Day is “Empowering Women, Empowering Humanity”.

Dr Jan Pearson, President, Zonta Club of Wellington thanked Minister Upston, Dr. Waring, the organizers and guests in her closing remarks.

The annual International Women’s Day Breakfast at the Parliament provides an excellent platform and valuable opportunity for highlighting and presenting women’s far reaching development, sustained commitment, powerful voices, meaningful impact and inspiring influence across all sectors, levels and aspects of life in New Zealand and the global community.

The Philippine Embassy’s Information Officer Ma. Katrina Ciara P. Garcia and the wife of Vice Consul Ms. Dorothy Obach joined Ambassador Benavidez on this significant occasion.