Philippine Women Centre of BC
Press Release

Filipino-Canadians organize unique political fashion show to inspire community action against violence against women

October 17, 2008

(VANCOUVER, B.C.) – A local group of Filipino-Canadian women is organizing a unique fashion show to educate the public about the growing phenomenon of violence against Filipino women and to inspire further community action.  “Scrap: A Political Fashion Show to Stop Violence against Filipino Women,” is being conceptualized and staged by the Philippine Women Centre of B.C. (PWC-BC) as part of its ongoing campaign to end violence against Filipino women.  Two shows will take place on Sunday, October 26, 2008 at Centre A (Vancouver International Centre for Contemporary Asian Art) located at 2 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC.  A matinee show will take place at 2:00 p.m., with a gala evening show (with wine and cheese reception) taking place at 7:00 p.m.  Tickets are available by calling the PWC-BC at (604) 215-1103.

“This show represents part of our community’s effort to break the silence and stigmatization of Filipino-Canadian women who are experiencing violence in all its forms – whether economic, social, verbal, physical or sexual,” says Marilou Carrillo, Chairperson of PWC-BC.  “By portraying our stories of the daily reality of this violence through the unique and accessible forms of fashion, we hope to educate the Filipino-Canadian community and Canadians about the urgent need to address the roots of violence against women,” Carrillo stated.

The story of “Grace” (not her real name) depicts the violence and trauma of forced migration from the Philippines and family separation experienced by many women under the Live-in Caregiver Program. While working in Canada as a live-in caregiver, Grace was courted, kidnapped and raped by a man. After having his child, she lived under his abusive control for many years before she was finally able to flee him through the support of the Philippine Women Centre. The complication of her case led to the delay of the processing of her permanent resident application. Despite being in Canada for nine years and finishing the requirements of the program, she is still waiting for her permanent residency and for reunification with her family. Her story will be highlighted amongst others throughout the fashion show.

“This process has been so inspiring for me as a young Filipino-Canadian woman,” says Niki Silva. “Before we could even design and sew the dresses, I went through a big learning process by talking to women affected by violence in their lives, to really understand their stories of struggle and survival.  We hope that this show honours their courageous spirit,” she said. 

Silva also shared that the women interviewed have become involved in all stages of the fashion show, from the design of the dresses to the staging of the show itself.  “By working alongside others in the Filipino-Canadian community, we are demonstrating how education and participation in the community helps empower women,” said Silva.

Since 1995, the PWC-BC has conducted research and advocacy and provided services for Filipino-Canadian women experiencing violence.  The theme of the fashion show, “Scrap,” reflects the long-standing demand of Filipino women in Canada to eliminate Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP) as an exploitative, anti-woman and racist policy. 

“The various forms of violence under the LCP are some of the most critical issues facing the Filipino community in Canada,” said Carrillo  “We named our show to reflect the marginalization of these live-in caregivers in Canada, but also to challenge the belief that they are merely disposable migrants. In fact, these women are active members of the community who participate in community action towards the long-term settlement and integration of themselves and their families into Canadian society,” she said.

This is the third “political” fashion show staged by the PWC-BC.  According to Statistics Canada, Filipino women comprise 57 percent of the overall Filipino community.  Their average annual income is $22,500, approximately $8,000 less than the average Canadian.  Filipinos are the third largest visible minority in BC, numbering 88,100. There are approximately 500,000 Filipinos across Canada. 

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For more information and media interviews, please contact Niki Silva at 604-215-1103, pwc@kalayaancentre.net

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