THIRD WORLD MOVEMENT AGAINST THE EXPLOITATION OF WOMEN In consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council

41 Rajah Matanda, Proj. 4, Quezon City, Philippines 1109 Telefax: (632) 913 9255, Tel. (632) 421 4952 Email: soledadperpinan@yahoo.com, sol_perpinan2003@yahoo.com Website: http://www.tw-mae-w.org

TW-MAE-W continues to bring hope and new life for abused and exploited women this year 2008.

In the Belen Drop-In Centers nationwide, more than 500 women have benefited from livelihood, educational and skills training programs (in preparation for their new beginning) and counseling for healing. Continuous recruitment through fieldwork is being done to encourage prostitutes to turn back from their job and seek a better life.

Free sessions on STI, HIV, AIDS and safe sex are being conducted to create awareness on the danger of having multiple sex partners as well to curb unwanted pregnancies.

The staff of TW-MAE-W was trained to improve their skills and knowledge to intervene in cases of human trafficking and counseling on STI, HIV and AIDS cases. The girls and staff have socialization activities to build friendship and rapport among each other and for the girls to feel more relaxed and open in their new environment.

An annual event, TW-MAE-W commemorated the International Aids Candlelight Memorial last May 2008. The said celebration honored the memory of those who died of AIDS, showed support for those living with HIV/AIDS, raised awareness on the disease and mobilized community involvement in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

A major highlight this year was the concert “From Darkness to Light” where the girls themselves performed. This concert enhanced the self-esteem and confidence of the girls. It also served as a fundraising event for the organization.

A new Bethany Transition Home was blessed and built this year in Batangas to cater to more girls who will move on to have a new and better life after undergoing the healing and renewal program of TW-MAE-W.

In the Growth Homes and Transition Homes, provision of educational assistance, spiritual and moral recovery, legal and medical assistance and livelihood training are being given to the girls as they move forward to a better life. Socialization activities such as outings, birthday and Christmas parties, going to parks and recreational areas are being done to improve the social skills of the girls and enhance camaraderie with each other. The homes have income-generating projects to train the girls to earn a living and sustain the home as well.

We would like to thank the donors through GlobalGiving for contributing in making the lives of abused and exploited women and girls better and brighter. There is hope for them. Let us continue to work together.