05 December 2024, Seoul. In observance of this year’s 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) from 25 November to 12 December 2024, the Gender and Development Unit of the Philippine Embassy in Seoul organized a seminar on “KKK: Kaalaman sa Kalusugan ng Kababaihan” (A Reproductive Health and Wellness Seminar for Filipino Women in Korea) on 24 November 2024 at the 2^nd Floor, Sentro Rizal Hall of the Philippine Embassy for the members of the Filipino Community.

The seminar underscored that care of one's body through exercise, proper nutrition, and wellness techniques can boost confidence, energy, and mental clarity. When women feel physically strong, they are more likely to stand up for themselves and set healthy boundaries. It also emphasized that women who are physically healthy also have more energy, vitality, and a sense of autonomy, which makes it easier for them to take action in their own lives, including preventing or escaping abusive situations

In her welcome remarks, Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega thanked the resource persons for sharing their expertise on women's health and wellness and stressed to the participants the importance of regular early health screening and testing. She mentioned that maintaining proper health balance will lead to a strong and healthy Filipino community in Korea.

Professor Emilie Lopez, a Korea-based University Professor in Nursing and AFEK Vice President, Researcher, Author of Caregiving Books, Adviser and Editorial Board Member in Health and Education-related Research and Dr. Jin-ju Ok, Professor Primary Care, Travel Medicine Physician at the International Health Care Center of The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital served as the seminar’s resource speakers.

Professor Lopez’s presentation focused on risk factors of chronic diseases, importance of stress management strategies, techniques to manage blood sugar and blood pressure as well as wellness tips to handle stress and chronic illnesses of the cardiovascular and related body system. Dr. Ok spoke about women’s health particularly on gynecological cancers and menopause. She also shared aqua wellness activities that the participants may try to boost their health and well-being.

Five (5) lucky participants received glucometers or blood sugar test kit. Professor Lopez provided a brief demonstration on how to use the test kit. The seminar was simultaneously livestreamed on the official Facebook page of the Embassy and is accessible for those who are interested to watch.

The Philippine Embassy in Seoul continues to advocate for women's health as a preventive strategy to address violence against women, and which underscores that a strong sense of self-worth, nurtured by physical and emotional well-being, makes women less likely to tolerate harmful behavior or relationships and empowers them to seek help or exit abusive situations. END