Written by: Alyssa Villa

In celebration of the International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 08, 2022, the France Volontaires Philippines, in partnership with the Alliance Française of Manila and the French Embassy in the Philippines, organized a screening of the documentary movie “Petite Fille”.

Petite Fille (or Little Girl) is a 2020 French documentary film about Sasha – who was born as a boy but has identified herself as a girl. The film also showcased the unconditional love and support of Sasha’s mother – Karine – who fought for her child’s rights and happiness.

Like Sasha’s mother, FV’s efforts in empowering women and girls have been evident throughout the years. Through their assistance to different organizations and relentless advocacies, FV served as a stepping-stone for women empowerment and gender equality.

Testimonies from beneficiaries and volunteers of ACAY Missions and ATD Foundation (both supported by FV) were heartfelt conveyed – how the organizations believed in them, supported them in achieving their dreams, and inspired them to become an empowered woman to empower others. Likewise, volunteers from Virlanie Foundation Inc. and LP4Y were present during the celebration.

PNVSCA Executive Director Donald James D. Gawe and staff expressed their support to FV’s programs as well as how volunteerism and the significant actions involving volunteers can help promote women and gender equality.

ED Gawe shared, “It is a proof that women can create lifelong impact and valuable contributions not only during crises but whatever challenges that come our way.

Let’s continue working together, hand-in-hand, to ensure a gender-inclusive world one day at a time.”

Products from ACAY Missions Philippines such as beautiful earrings, scarf, potholders, wallets, rosaries, etc., and Virlanie Foundation Inc.’s scrumptious macaroons and banana bread were being sold during the event. The women volunteers of Virlanie Foundation personally baked the delicious goodies that showcased their baking and marketing skills. While the girls and women volunteers of ACAY Missions handcrafted the lovely accessories, which reflected their creativity and eye for detail. These prove that women and girls can contribute and create great impact when given support.

The Sustainable Development Goal #5 (SDG 5) or Gender Equality is aimed to “achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls”. To all the women (and men) who continue to pour out their commitment, passion, and love for women and gender equality, MABUHAY! Again, Happy National Women’s Month!

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The author is currently the VSO II of the Program Coordination, Monitoring and Evaluation Division (PCMED), Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency.

Visit PNVSCA website (www.pnvsca.gov.ph) and PNVSCA Facebook (facebook.com/PNVSCA) for other stories and information on volunteering.