BACOLOD City – Advocates and sectoral leaders gathered on Friday for the observance of the first Negros Occidental Safe Space Day alongside the launch of the annual Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) from Nov. 25 to Dec. 12.
Nov. 24 is declared the province’s Safe Space Day under Provincial Ordinance 009-2023 in line with the initiatives to localize Republic Act 11313, otherwise known as the Safe Spaces Act, which covers all forms of gender-based sexual harassment (GBSH) committed in public spaces, educational or training institutions, workplaces, and online spaces.
“Let us advocate for VAW-free homes and communities and make Negros a safe space for everyone, not only today or during the observance of the annual 18-day to end VAW,” Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said in a statement.
Lawyer Andrea Lizares-Si, chair of the Provincial Council for Women (PCW), led the safe spaces pledge with Lacson, city and municipal mayors, capitol department heads, and advocates from various sectors.
“We will do what we can to ensure that GBSH has no place,” they said in a statement.
They committed to implementing necessary mechanisms to prevent and address GBSH, strengthen complaint desks, and capacitate service providers in handling cases.
During the program, winners of the “Liso Kabuhi Ko 2023,” a home and community gardening project initiated as the coronavirus disease 2019 response of the PCW and the Provincial Board’s Committee on Women, Children, and Family, were awarded.
The top winners were Barangay Nagasi Kalipi Organization of La Carlota City for the community group category, and Rosa Bayoneta and family of Barangay Ayungon, La Carlota City for the individual/family category.
“‘Liso Kabuhi Ko’ continues because food security remains a critical issue that faces Negrense women and families,” the organizers said. (PNA)/PN
