VIENNA, Austria – Filipinos based in Vienna participated in the recently concluded International Women’s Bazaar at the United Nations in Austria.

Organized by the United Women’s Guild (UNWG), the international bazaar is the group’s main fund-raising activity and had attracted at least 25,000 visitors.

The Philippines has been represented in the UNWG through the membership by UN spouses, UN female staff members and the Philippine Embassy in Vienna. It has also been actively participating in its activities, especially in the preparations for and the actual conduct of the bazaar.

During the past years, a team of UN Filipina staff has been managing the Philippine’s food stall. The Philippine national stall and the food stall make a substantial donation to the UNWG charity, averaging Euro 1,500.00 per stall.

A cultural show has always included Filipino performances. Every year, Filipino dancers present Tinikling and other Filipino folk dances.

Aid needy children
 
Founded in 1967, the United Nations Women’s Guild (UNWG) in Vienna is a voluntary organization of women connected with the United Nations. Its purpose is to work for the welfare of needy children especially in developing countries.

At the same time, it fosters friendship among women of many nationalities, who gain an appreciation of each other’s traditions and customs.

The UNWG has raised more than three million euros for charity. The money has been distributed to children’s charities through the 30 to 35 projects funded each year.

Through the United Nation’s women’s bazaar, several Philippine children’s projects have been funded. One of them is the Childhope Asia Philippines’ project on street children.

Dr. Isabel Aleta, who also chaired the UNWG Bazaar several years ago, said the event is a big chance for the Philippines to present itself in an international arena.

“These various forms of participation and presentations are opportunities for the Philippines to project in an international setting, its culture and tourist destinations through dances, fashion shows, food and crafts display/sale. At the same time, voluntary contributions in time and skills promote children’s charity worldwide,” Aleta said.

Currently it has over 550 members from 90 countries. Many are professionals who gave up their careers or put them on hold to accompany their husbands who are in Austria as diplomats or employees of the UN organizations.