Zonta Club of Cebu II (ZCC II) concludes its observance of the 18 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence by creating awareness of related laws over the radio program Takna sa Kababayen-an aired over station DYLA.
Two very articulate IBP members, Zn Atty. Regal Oliva and Zn Atty. Hazel Espina discussed the Republic Act 9262, Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children, and Republic Act 11313, or Safe Spaces Law.
Atty. Espina clearly explained that ZCC II has been active in promoting the Anti-VAWC Law, capacitating VAW desk officers in the barangays and police stations in a series of education fora over the past ten years. She informed the public that Zonta Club Cebu II recently launched a handbook authored by Atty. Mylene Gonzales Esquivel, entitled “HELPING VAW SURVIVORS: A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR VAW DESK OFFICERS”.
The launch and turnover of the handbook marked a pivotal step in strengthening community efforts to combat violence and promote justice for women.
The second law taken up, THE SAFE SPACES ACT, or THE BAWAL BASTOS LAW, was explained by Atty. Regal Oliva as the law that ensures protection for everyone, particularly women and members of the LGBTQIA+ community, by penalizing acts such as catcalling, stalking, and unwanted sexual advances. Catcalling or unwanted remarks directed towards a person, commonly done in the form of wolf-whistling, misogynistic, transphobic, homophobic, and sexist slurs, as well as unwanted invitations.
Both lawyers, called for a proactive approach to promote safe environments for women, urging the public to be vigilant and supportive.
Atty. Oliva and Atty. Espina expressed that it would require concerted efforts from all sectors to achieve the goal of safe environment for everyone.
Some cities have passed ordinances to punish those who continue to discriminate.
“Let’s just take it one day at a time. Let’s take it one step at a time. We have already seen in our lifetime laws being passed, and maybe because of these laws, (there will be an) inclusive, diverse society,” Atty. Oliva said.
The conversation is a powerful reminder of the ongoing efforts to uphold women’s rights and ensure their safety in all spheres of life.
