Posted on



PCW Honors Outgoing UNFPA Philippines Representative
for Her Contributions to a #VAWfreePH



The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) has recognized outgoing Country Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Philippines Dr. Leila Joudane for her significant contributions to advancing gender equality and ending violence against women and girls in the Philippines.



PCW presents a certificate of recognition to Dr. Leila Joudane, outgoing UNFPA Country Representative, for her invaluable support in advancing women’s rights and combatting violence against women and girls in the Philippines. (From left to right: PCW OIC Deputy Executive Director for Management Services Honey Castro, PCW Sectoral Coordination Division Chief Dr. Macario Jusayan, UNFPA Country Representative Dr. Leila Joudane, PCW Chairperson Ermelita Valdeavilla, and IACVAWC Secretariat Team Leader Prossy Dumlao)

During her four-and-a-half-year tenure, Dr. Joudane led UNFPA’s strategic support for the development of the National Action Plan on Ending Violence Against Women (NAP-EVAW) 2025–2030, a landmark policy initiative that outlines a comprehensive, whole-of-government approach to prevention, protection, and response to the issue.


The NAP-EVAW was developed through a series of nationwide consultations held in Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and the National Capital Region. These consultations engaged a wide range of stakeholders, including prosecutors’ offices, health and planning offices, barangay and local social welfare offices, women and children protection desks, public attorney’s offices, women and children protection units, gender focal point systems, regional agencies that are part of the Regional Committees Against Trafficking and VAWC, and representatives from local women’s organizations. UNFPA provided technical and funding support and fostered collaboration with government agencies, civil society, and development partners.



PCW Chairperson Ermelita V. Valdeavilla thanks Dr. Leila Joudane for her vision, service, and steadfast commitment to advancing the rights and dignity of Filipino women.

PCW Chairperson Ermelita V. Valdeavilla acknowledged Dr. Joudane’s pivotal role in the advocacy, citing her ability to bridge local and global expertise and mobilize international solidarity to end violence against women in the country.


“Thank you for your service, your vision, and your unfaltering belief in the dignity and rights of Filipino women. Thank you for showing us that international cooperation at its best is not just about assistance, but about genuine partnership in the pursuit of justice. As you continue your important work elsewhere, know that your contributions to the Philippines will continue to save and improve lives, transform communities, and inspire future generations of advocates for women’s rights.”



UNFPA Country Representative Dr. Leila Joudane during her farewell tribute organized by PCW.

In her farewell message, Dr. Joudane expressed deep gratitude for the strong partnerships built over her term.


“Over the past four and a half years that I have been here, I’m deeply grateful for your trust, partnership, and unwavering commitment to advancing gender equality, women empowerment, and ending gender-based violence for all Filipinas. I was really impressed by the commitment of each one of you to end violence against women and to end gender-based violence against women for all Filipinas everywhere. It’s not the case where I worked everywhere, and the Philippines is really a special case, you know. And I will take with me all this experience. I learned a lot from all of you.”


Beyond NAP-EVAW, Dr. Joudane supported efforts to eliminate child, early, and forced marriages; promoted the use of gender data for policy development; and stood alongside the Philippines in campaigns, such as the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women.



UNFPA’s Dr. Leila Joudane with PCW and IACVAWC members during a farewell tribute recognizing her support for gender equality and ending violence against women in the Philippines.

As she takes on her next assignment in Gabon, Africa, Dr. Joudane leaves behind a legacy of strengthened institutional capacity, gender-responsive policy frameworks, and sustained momentum for inclusive governance.


The PCW expressed confidence that the groundwork laid during her tenure will continue to guide national efforts in building a gender-fair and violence-free society.