As soon as I heard MSU Gensan’s having a conference on GaD and Human Rights, I knew I had to come.
It was one thing to celebrate Women’s month, but it’s another for various individuals to gather for the purpose of knowing more of the laws and means that protect them and they’re not just women, but all of the genders. Through the years, many improvements and programs were developed for a good cause. With these, women felt safer to express themselves more, to have the opportunity to lead, to defend, to bend gender stereotypes and to break the norm of a patriarchal society.
In the mind of a woman with big dreams to make a difference, it was a privilege to be reacquainted with gender-protective laws which do not only aim to protect human rights but also to set new angles and accountability on society’s prevailing issues. In revisiting RA 9262 (VAWC Law), RA 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act), RA 11596 (Anti-Child Marriage Law), RA 9710 (Magna Carta for Women), RA 11313 (Safe Spaces Act), RA 7877 (Anti-Sexual Harassment Law), CEDAW and more, it was emphasized the state’s intention to not just be protective, but inclusive as well. Atty. Hanna-Tunisa F. Usman as the first speaker laid down the salient features of each law, catered questions and provided her personal insights to the curious participants. With everyone’s unwavering participation, the conference felt like a safe space for those who have something to speak up for. It was both brave and commendable. Those who spoke up for themselves or for others were welcomed with no hint of prejudice or partiality, which only highlighted what our laws stand for and that under the rule of law, none is supreme than the other: genders don’t matter, solidarity creates ripples of change. A change we hope to echo through the generations.
The second half of the conference centered on Women, Peace and Security as Human Rights. It focused on the important role of women in peacebuilding as well as the impacts of conflicts directed to them. The speaker himself, Sir Jovanie C. Espesor, acknowledges that women empowerment would not be possible without peaceful participation of all members of the society. It is only by collaborative effort that building a supportive and welcoming society where women are viewed as an equal can be achieved. Section 14 of Article II of the 1987 Constitution expressly states, “The State recognizes the role of women in nation building, and shall ensure the fundamental equality before the law of women and men.” Even the fundamental law of the land guarantees equality between genders and that, to me, is equality in human rights. Human rights do not look at one’s sex, race, ethnicity, nationality, language, religion or status. It envelops all persons, from birth to death. It is our human rights that give us the freedom and chance to be a part of a bigger purpose. It is ours to demand, ours to take action in relation to.
Women, in modern society, have learned to exercise their rights more. The Maria Claras of the modern world are distinguishable to Jose Rizal’s literary ideal. Now, women can speak their minds as much as any person could. A woman may lead an organization, an academia, a commission, a city or even a nation or kingdom. Now, women are no longer limited to chores and childbearing as their only purpose but may become workers of justice and mother of a nation. Women, now viewed as a person not as a property, gained more recognition. Women proved that they’re not only meant for love but something more real than that.
All of these are causes for celebration: a Women’s Month which does not linger on singularity but solidarity for equality of all. Here’s for all the women, the men, and the members of the LGBTQ+ and for the state which altogether strive for the preservation and safekeeping of human rights.
After all, you cannot say women without saying we.
