In a move to amplify the fight against gender-based violence, Guimaras State University (GSU) marked National Women’s Month by hosting a forum on the Safe Spaces Act (R.A. 11313) and the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995 (R.A. 7877). The event, held on March 10, 2025, at the Agri-Eco Convention Hall, brought attention to the persistent issue of sexual harassment in workplaces, educational institutions, and public spaces—an issue that continues to demand urgent action.

Dr. Lilian Diana B. Parreño, in her opening address, brought to the fore the university’s role in championing safe environments, stating that institutions must do more than just acknowledge the existence of these laws—they must actively enforce them. She called for strengthened policies, increased reporting mechanisms, and a culture where survivors are empowered rather than silenced.

Leading the discussion was Atty. Diarlie Pebe Pelaez-Nagaynay who dissected the key provisions of the two laws. She featured the critical need for proper implementation, as gaps in enforcement continue to allow perpetrators to evade accountability. R.A. 7877, she explained, focuses on sexual harassment within hierarchical relationships, where those in power exploit their authority over subordinates. However, she stressed that R.A. 11313, the more recent Safe Spaces Act, is a groundbreaking piece of legislation that expands protection to all, addressing street harassment, online abuse, and gender-based violence that is often dismissed as “normal” in Philippine society.

The forum was not merely a lecture but a call to action. In a time when survivors still struggle to be heard, this forum serves as a reminder that the fight for safe spaces is far from over. The movement for gender justice continues, and the voices demanding change will not be silenced.