From Shadows to Strength: Women's Rights and Safety (Thematic)

 "Empowered women empower society—ending violence begins with protecting their rights."

"How can we create a society where no woman lives in fear of violence or abuse?"

     The Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004 Republic Act No. 9262 is one of the most significant pieces of law enacted in the Philippines on violence against women and children. It comes into focus with the annual 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women, which runs from November 25 to December 12, with awareness-raising and action on gender-based violence.

    While victims of violence can apply for protection orders, the law grants immediate enforcement responses and various support systems (including counseling and legal aid). The campaign is intended to inform the public about violence against women, with statistics that show almost 1 out of 5 women suffers from it.

    This year's campaign, "VAW Bigyang Wakas, ngayon na ang Oras," is significant in that it symbolizes the 20th anniversary of the Act and furthers the government stand of agencies, such as the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in safeguarding women's rights.

     The VAWC Act has the value of influencing responses to gender-based violence and serves as a motivating force for social change-the catalyst of community dialogues to break norms and foster support for survivors. The advocacy continues for stakeholders to create a safer environment for women and children throughout the Philippines.

"A Step Toward Equality: The Spirit of RA 8353 and RA 11313"

Picture a world where every woman walks fearlessly, her rights protected, her opportunities boundless, and her dignity upheld. Let’s explore how this law transforms lives and builds a better, safer future for all.

RA 8353

   In a world striving for justice, there comes a moment when society decides to rewrite its rules—not for convenience, but for dignity and respect. The Anti-Rape Law of 1997 (Republic Act No. 8353) is one such moment, a turning point that challenged old definitions and gave voice to a long-silenced truth: consent matters.

   Republic Act No. 8353: "Anti-Rape Law of 1997" defined rape in the Philippines as "Crime Against Persons" instead of a crime merely against chastity. This law redefined rape as an act of penetration (or not) and act of sexual assault applicable to both women and men and established that statutory rape occurs when the victim is less than twelve years of age, irrespective of other factors.

   Under RA 8353, it can be legally pursued by anyone with the right knowledge of the incident of rape, thus bringing the charge within the publicity scope and bringing even the community into the search for justice. The penalty meted out to offenders includes reclusion Perpetua (i.e. imprisonment from 20 to 40 years) for rape accomplished through penetration. All in all, RA 8353 strengthens legal protections against sexual violence and promotes the accountability of perpetrators' actions in the Philippines.

RA 11313

For too long, the subtle, insidious forms of violence that women endure daily went unchallenged, buried under the weight of cultural norms and silence. Republic Act No. 11313, or the Safe Spaces Act, is more than legislation—it’s a movement that dares to say, “Enough.”

This statute, the Republic Act No. 11313, coined as Safe Spaces Act is all about defining and penalizing gender-based sexual harassment taking place in several places such as streets and public places, in workplaces, and virtually. The law was enacted into effect in April 2019 to ensure not just the safety but even the dignity of an individual against any unwelcome sexual advance or unwelcome comments touching someone sexually or any similar act of harassment.

The Safe Spaces Act is heralded as "not only placing the definition per se of sexual harassment outside the four walls of the general boundaries of the workplace but extends to all public areas and cyberspaces." It also enumerates what behaviors constitute sexual harassment, such as catcalling, indecent remarks, or unwanted touching. Moreover, the law obliges employers to ensure that within the organization, policies are ensured to create a harassment-free condition for all employees.

There are administrative sanctions and fines amounting to a penalty for the punishment of violations. It also provides for victim access to reporting incidents of such kind without the privilege to retaliate. Thus, there is a more established culture of accountability and respect. Overall, RA 11313 is a plus step towards reducing the problem of gender-based violence in communities and thus only therein does it create safer communities in the Philippines.

"Ending violence against women is not just a fight for women—it's a fight for humanity."

REFERENCES:

RepubRepublic Act 11313: Safe Spaces Act | Bangsamoro Women Commission. (n.d.).

  https://bwc.bangsamoro.gov.ph/republic-act-11313-safe-spaces-act/

Law, R. (2022,March 29). What Is The Purpose Of RA 8353 | What Is The Purpose Of RA 8505 | RALB Law. RALB Law. https://ralblaw.com/what-is-the-purpose-of-ra-8353/

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