Dr. Apple Grace L. Bonhoc, a faculty member at Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) and an alumna of the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative – Women’s Leadership Academy (YSEALI-WLA), recently participated in the official launch of “Our Stories, Our Voices” project. This joint initiative, conducted in partnership with the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, is a significant campaign against gender-based violence.
The primary goal of the “Our Stories, Our Voices” project is to empower women, youth, and the LGBTQ+ community to raise their voices against gender-based violence and various forms of harassment. It emphasizes the importance of dispelling stereotypes and rejecting victim-blaming attitudes, creating a platform for collective opposition to violence.
The event was graced by the presence of H.E. MaryKay Carlson, the U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines. She was joined by Ms. Nina Lewis, Cultural Affairs Officer of the U.S. Embassy, and Ms. Samantha Parkes, Political Officer of the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, alongside other U.S. foreign officials. Their involvement provided valuable global insights into the discussion.
Dr. Bonhoc also actively participated in a roundtable discussion (RTD) during the launch, focusing on the promotion of women’s rights and strategies to prevent and respond to gender-based violence against women, girls, and LGBTQ+ individuals. The event also featured the presence of other dedicated women and LGBTQ+ advocates who joined the project launch and RTD. This diverse gathering included government representatives and various stakeholders, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas, narratives, and insights.
Dr. Bonhoc highlighted the potential for this collaborative initiative to foster a more data-driven approach to combat gender-based violence and significantly advance the cause of gender equality.
In closing, she shared how this powerful endeavor exemplifies ADDU’s commitment to promoting positive change and addressing pressing societal issues. She believes that through collaboration, shared values, and active participation, everyone can make a substantial impact in the fight against gender-based violence, underscoring the importance of collective efforts in driving meaningful change.