I AM SAFE : Safe Space Act/ Anti-Harassment Primer

August 19, 2021

I AM WOMAN. I AM SAFE. The Philippine Constitution values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights. It also ensures fundamental equality before the law of women and men. Furthermore, the Constitution recognizes that both men and women must have equality, security, and safety not only in private, but also on the streets, public spaces, online, workplaces and educational and training institutions. In pursuit of all these, the Safe Spaces Act was enacted.

Atty. Lorna Patajo -Kapunan , Senior Partner, Kapunan & Castillo Law Offices. The new Safe Spaces Act expands who can be charged as offenders. Under the 1995 law, only persons in authority can be charged as offenders. There was no provision for harassment by subordinates or peers. Now, anyone can be an offender. Before, only the person harassed could file a complaint. Now, persons apart from the victim can file, since some victims may not want to relive the trauma. Lastly, the new law recognizes the special protection of LGBTs and warns against transphobic and homophobic sexual remarks.The new law does not supersede the original Anti-Sexual Harassment Act. If an offense qualifies under the Space Spaces and Anti-Sexual Harassment acts, offenders can be charged for both. Sexual offenses which qualify as domestic violence can also be prosecuted under the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act (R.A. 9272).

Atty. Kristine Yuzon – Chaves, Executive Director , Philippine Commission on Women . The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) led the development of the Safe Spaces Act – Implementing Rules and Regulations. PCW serves as the Co-chair of the oversight mechanism to implement the law and leads the national campaign for the awareness of the law.

Rosemarie Ong, SEVP/Chief Operating Officer, WILCON Depot .A gender-inclusive workplace gives equal opportunity to all employees regardless of gender, race, religion, color, or age. Wilcon recognizes the importance, strength, and skills of different individuals’ personalities, backgrounds, and experiences.

Genevieve Ledesma – Tan, Chief Executive Mentor , Southville Global Education  Network .Organizations should have knowledge of laws and implementing rules and regulations on various aspects such as the Safe Spaces Act and the Anti Sexual Harassment law. Guidelines and policies should be in place and articulated to all staff every year. Existing policies and regulations serve to protect not only the employees but also the organization. Acting promptly and appropriately on employee concerns mitigates potential cases from getting serious.

Cynthia Mamon, Chief Operating Officer , Enchanted Kingdom. EK’s slogan, “The Magic is Here” means the magical experience starts from oneself. Love of God exemplifies spirituality in the workplace, starting and ending each activity with a prayer. All cast members believe in EK’s higher purpose, “Be an extension of God’s EK—Eternal Kingdom—to bring happiness on earth.” We all have an important role to play. Loyalty enables us to be resilient. We practice integrity through self-discipline. These values inspire all EK cast members to be the best of what God wants them to be and give guests a safe and magical day. As the guests leave, EK envisions that these shared memories will last a lifetime.

WomenbizPH President Mylene Abiva shared her own personal experience in her Opening Remarks emphasizing the importance of the Safe Space Act / Anti-Harassment Primer  . WomenbizPH Chairperson Monette Iturralde-Hamlin was Moderator and UN Women Rosalyn Mesina gave the Opening Remarks. I AM SAFE Womenar is the final session.

See you at the I AM WOMAN eBook Launch on SEPTEMBER 16, 2021.