Filipino-Canadian Youth Alliance/Ugnayan ng Kabataang Pilipino sa Canada-B.C.
Press Release

Filipino youth take action to stop violence against Filipino women

September 25, 2008

VANCOUVER, B.C.-- On Sunday, October 26, 2008 Ugnayan ng Kabataang Pilipino sa Canada/ The Filipino-Canadian Youth Alliance (UKPC/FCYA) will be assisting the Philippine Women Centre of BC (PWC-BC) in their exciting event, “SCRAP: A Political Fashion Show to Stop Violence Against Filipino Women”.  In PWC’s third political fashion show, the original designs will explore violence against women and the resistance against this violence. 

Although the fashion show is a PWC event, the other organizations based out of the Kalayaan Centre play important roles in the production.  By getting the various organizations at the Kalayaan Centre involved, PWC-BC hopes different sectors will understand the situation of Filipino women in Canada.  

“Working with PWC has been a great opportunity for Filipino youth to understand the issues of women, especially since many youth are children of domestic workers.  Domestic workers are vulnerable to many forms of violence,” states Ayex Bathan of UKCP/FCYA.  “By having our general membership as well as other youth attend, young members of our community will see the circumstances women face to escape the poverty in the Philippines and how they are trying to build a better life in Canada.”

Carlie David a member of UKPC/FCYA added, “It’s hard to get the attention of youth, but fashion is something all youth can relate to.  Through fashion we will expose the realities of Filipino women and hopefully get young members involved with the different organizations in the community.”  Though many mothers don’t want their children to know the challenges they had under the LCP, PWC hopes it will be a step towards empowerment for both mothers and their children. 

SCRAP is part of this year’s “WACK! Art and Feminist Revolution Festival”.  It will take place at Centre A, Vancouver International Centre for Contemporary Asian Art-  2 West Hastings, Vancouver, BC. There are only two opportunities to catch this one-of-a-kind event, a 2pm matinee for community members, and 7pm closing Gala.##

For tickets contact PWC at 604-215-1103, ask for Dinah or Glecy.

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