Gender and Development (GAD) under Republic Act 9170 or the Magna Carta Act of Women of 2009 refers to the development perspective and process that are participatory and empowering, equitable, sustainable, free from violence, respectful of human rights, supportive of self-determination and actualization of human potentials. It seeks to achieve gender equality as a fundamental value that should be reflected in development choices; seeks to transform society's social, economic and political structures and questions the validity of gender roles they ascribed to women and men; contends that women are active agents of development and not just passive recipients of development assistance; and stresses the need of women to organize themselves and participate in political processes to strengthen their legal rights.
The Philippine Embassy commits to implement policies promoting gender and development and fostering the principles of inclusivity and gender sensitivity in the conduct of diplomacy and delivery of services to all Filipinos and other stakeholders.
Women Ambassadors, Heads of Mission in Qatar Join U.N. Call to End Violence Against Women
Ph Embassy Partners with MWO and NDAP to Promote Proper Nutrition for Women
Ph Embassy Joins Ph Delegation to 6th Global Conference of Women Parliamentarians on Peace and Security
Ph Embassy in Doha Joins #Purplethursdays Campaign in Celebration of National Women's Month
Ph Embassy Celebrates International Women's Day
Ph Embassy Joins Celebration of National Women's Month in March
Ph Embassy, Advocacy Groups Partner to Promote Women's Rights in Anti-VAW Seminar
Ph Embassy Kicks Off Campaign to End Violence Against Women
Ph Ambassador Joins Women Diplomats in Qatar on International Day for Women in Diplomacy
Ph Embassy in Qatar CAPS Off Women's Month with forum on Maximizing Women's Potential
Ph Embassy, Ph Overseas Labor Office in Qatar Celebrate International Women's Day
Ph Embassy Announcement: 2018 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW)
Ph Embassy in Doha Breaches 10,000 Voter Benchmark, Commemorates Women's Suffrage Day
Ph Embassy in Doha: Every Month Should be Women's Month
Ph Embassy Wins in Women's Doubles Division in ASEAN Committee in Doha Table Tennis Tournament
DOHA 27 October 2025 — The Philippine Embassy in the State of Qatar conducted a Breast Cancer Awareness Seminar entitled “Hearts in Pink: A Month for Hope, Healing, and Awareness” in collaboration with IAM Filipina, a Qatar-based women-focused group, on 24 October 2025 at the Embassy Social Hall.
In observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and as part of the Embassy’s Gender and Development (GAD) programs for the year, the highly-attended activity included an informative session by Filipino doctor Dr. Diane Joy Bonsol who discussed the risk factors and signs of breast cancer, while underscoring the significant role of regular self-examinations and medical screenings.
This was followed by an inspiring narrative of one breast cancer survivor who affirmed that having a strong faith, emotional support system, and reliable health care provider helped her overcome her illness. She added that a healthy lifestyle contributed to her being cancer-free for five (5) years now.
In his message, Philippine Ambassador His Excellency Mardomel Celo D. Melicor emphasized the importance of prioritizing health for overseas Filipino workers - particularly physical and mental health. “May today’s talk be a reminder that knowledge is empowerment. By learning, sharing, and supporting one another, we strengthen our community and give hope to those who may be facing this illness,” he added.
The activity ended with a “Pink Message of Hope” where participants wrote missives of encouragement for those who are battling the disease.
The seminar was attended by more than 80 participants, most of whom were women.
For more information, visit dohape.dfa.gov.ph, facebook.com/PHinQatar, or instagram.com/phinqatar.
DOHA 26 October 2025 — In observance of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Philippine Embassy in the State of Qatar conducted an inspiring activity entitled, “Sining at Pag-aaruga: Art Session for Working Mothers” on 22 October 2025 at Sentro Rizal Doha.
The afternoon began with a thought-provoking and interactive discussion on “working mom’s guilt” and how this manifests in overseas Filipino mothers. The talk also highlighted ways to cultivate a balance between career aspirations and family life gracefully.
In his message, Ambassador of the Philippines to the State of Qatar His Excellency Mardomel Celo D. Melicor shared, “May this afternoon’s program be a moment of encouragement and solidarity. May you be reminded that you are enough, that your efforts matter. Your children are not just watching what you do—they are learning responsibility, resilience, and purpose from you every day. Providing for your family is a profound act of love as a mother.”
An art therapy-inspired session followed after the talk which helped participants reflect and connect through creativity and self-expression. Afterwards, mothers were invited to write a letter addressed to their children.
The event aims to address one of the most common emotional challenges faced by modern women — the guilt often experienced by mothers balancing personal and professional roles.
Around 20 women participated in the aforementioned activity which provided an opportunity to network and share experiences.
For more information, visit dohape.dfa.gov.ph, facebook.com/PHinQatar, or instagram.com/phinqatar.
DOHA 30 June 2025 — The Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in the State of Qatar, in partnership with Al Meera, launched a recycling initiative in observance of the Philippine Environment Month of June.
The week-long campaign entitled, “Kabayan Recycles: Together, Let’s Beat Plastic Pollution” will run from 30 June to 7 July 2025 and aims to inspire the Filipino community in recycling through depositing plastic bottles in Al Meera’s reverse vending machines (RVM) available in branches nationwide.
Also committed to its mandate to provide opportunities for women to lead sustainability efforts, the Embassy encouraged women-led, and women-focused organizations to be actively involved in gender and development projects.
By participating in the #BeatPlasticPollution global campaign, this project links gender equality with climate action. It also fosters inclusive participation and strengthened community ties among the members of the Filipino diaspora and the host country.
In his message, H.E. Mardomel Celo D. Melicor, Philippine Ambassador to the State of Qatar, said, “Plastic pollution causes severe damage to marine ecosystems. As a maritime nation, saying no to plastic waste means we’re also saying yes to climate action, sustainable living, healthy oceans, thriving ecosystems, and rich biodiversity. Thank you Al Meera for this wonderful partnership in inspiring collective action to beat plastic pollution.”
“In last week’s Recycling Towards Sustainability Conference hosted by the State of Qatar, the role of social media influencers in the recycling culture in the society was highlighted. Today, I also thank our media friends for being present and ready to join hands in promoting awareness and encouraging sustainable practices.”
The Philippines recently signed the “Nice Declaration” calling for an ambitious treaty on plastic pollution which was launched on the second day of the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) in Nice, France on June 10 2025.
The launch was graced by Embassy officials and Al Meera executives, and participated in by women-led Filipino community organizations and select members of the media, who all tried Filipino pastries baked and made available at the Al Meera Mansoura branch.
For more information, visit dohape.dfa.gov.ph, facebook.com/PHinQatar, or instagram.com/phinqatar.
DOHA 08 March 2025 — The Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Doha, State of Qatar, in partnership with IAM Filipina, joined the global community in celebrating International Women’s Day through the conduct of “Usapang Pinay,” a lively conversation among Qatar-based Filipino women who inspire and motivate each other through sharing of experiences and best practices.
DOHA 08 March 2025 — The Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Doha, State of Qatar, in partnership with IAM Filipina, joined the global community in celebrating International Women’s Day through the conduct of “Usapang Pinay,” a lively conversation among Qatar-based Filipino women who inspire and motivate each other through sharing of experiences and best practices.
In his remarks, Philippine Ambassador to the State of Qatar, His Excellency Mardomel Celo D. Melicor, lauded Filipino women and their strength, resilience, and achievements in the modern world. He shared that expanding women’s opportunities and productivity is essential in pursuing AmBisyon Natin 2040, the Philippines’ collective aspirations to foster inclusive growth and development that will be felt by every Filipino, including women.
With topics ranging from cultural adaptation, community support, breaking barriers, advocacy and representation, and vision for future generations, among others, lively discussions ensued, with deep, fruitful and inspirational exchanges between the panel and the participants.
During the interaction with the participants, Ambassador Melicor encouraged everyone to further break barriers, champion gender equality, and create a world where every woman and girl has the chance to thrive.
For more information, visit dohape.dfa.gov.ph, facebook.com/PHinQatar, or instagram.com/phinqatar.
Women Ambassadors and Heads of Mission in Qatar joined the United Nations’ call to put an end to violence against women and girls on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on 25 November 2024.
To know what is considered violence against women, click here: tinyurl.com/3aem426n
DOHA 27 July 2024 - In observance of the Philippine National Nutrition Month in July, the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines partnered with the Migrant Workers Office-Qatar and the Nutritionists and Dietitians Association of the Philippines (NDAP)-Qatar to provide a free lecture on nutrition on 26 July 2024 at the Embassy’s function hall.
The lecture was open to the public and was attended by Filipino women of various backgrounds. Some community leaders and heads of women-focused groups were also present.
The program aims to raise awareness about the importance of good nutrition for Filipinos, particularly for women office workers and expectant mothers. Specifically, the activity wants to highlight nutrition intervention and its role in the overall improved health and productivity of women and their families.
In her opening remarks, Her Excellency Philippine Ambassador to the State of Qatar Lillibeth V. Pono said, “There are challenges that overseas Filipinos in Qatar face with regard to their total well being. We often take for granted nutrition and diet in our daily lives, so we hope that this afternoon will provide you with an informative, relatable, and experiential lecture on nutrition.”
The programme was divided into two parts: a lecture on Sports Nutrition for Office Workers was presented by registered nutritionist dietitian (RND) Mae Angielyn Silva where she introduced core concepts and shared tips for having a healthy lifestyle despite a busy working schedule.
Next was Nutrition for Pregnant Women by Rhea S. Boribor, RND, where nutritional management and dietary needs of expectant mothers were discussed, along with ways to manage common health complications.
Afterwards, members of the NDAP provided a free consultation service to the attendees of the lecture. END.
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