The Iloilo Provincial Government strengthened its advocacy for gender equality and the elimination of violence against women and children with a public forum on the Psychology of Sexual Harassment and Safe Spaces Act held today, November 22, 2024, at Casa Real de Iloilo.
The event brought together participants including teachers from the Proof of Concept (POC) Initiative and BES BASA program pilot local government units, members of the Iloilo Provincial PRIDE, officers of the Association of Iloilo Provincial Government Employees (AIPGE), and administrative officers from Iloilo district hospitals to deepen their understanding of the psychological roots of harassment and legal measures that protect individuals from abuse.
Organized by the Provincial Gender and Development Unit (GADIloilo) and its Technical Working Group, the forum formed part of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC), themed “UNITEd for a VAW-free Philippines, VAW Bigyang Wakas, Ngayon na ang Oras.”
University of the Philippines Assistant Professor Aniceta Patricia Alingasa-Aguirre and Senior Assistant City Prosecutor Ma. Nazelle Biliran-Infante led the discussions.
Prof. Alingasa-Aguirre delved into the psychological factors behind harassment, shedding light on its root causes, the power dynamics at play, and its profound impact on victims.
Her presentation emphasized the importance of understanding these dynamics to prevent and address harassment effectively in both workplaces and communities.
Prosecutor Biliran-Infante followed with an enlightening discussion on the Safe Spaces Act, providing a comprehensive overview of the law’s provisions.
She highlighted its significance in protecting individuals from harassment in various public and private settings, including workplaces, schools, and online platforms, while explaining how the law empowers victims to seek justice and ensures offender accountability.
Adding to the day’s significance, the province celebrated the 25th anniversary of the UGSAD Gender Resource Network of Western Visayas, a trailblazing group advocating for gender-responsive governance.
A parade at Muelle Loney and a product exhibit at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol Lobby highlighted UGSAD’s contributions, reinforcing the province’s role as a leader in gender development.
Aligned with national directives like Proclamation 1172 (2006) declaring November 25 to December 12 of every year as the “18-day campaign to end violence against women”, and the Republic Act 10398 (2013) which declares November 25 as National Consciousness Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Children the Iloilo Provincial Government continues to foster a safer and more equitable society.
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