Protecting Women's Rights

 Violence Against Women (VAW) is a serious issue in the Philippines and around the world. According to the 2022 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), almost 1 in 5 Filipino women has experienced some form of violence from their partner. To help address this, the government has passed laws like Republic Act 8353 (The Anti-Rape Law of 1997) and Republic Act 7877 (The Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995), which aim to protect women and promote their rights.

RA 8353 redefined how we see rape, making it a crime against a person’s dignity rather than just their purity. It expanded the definition to include sexual assault involving force, threats, or manipulation. This law also highlights the importance of consent.

An update in 2022, through RA 11648, raised the age of sexual consent from 12 to 16, providing better protection for minors. This shows how the law evolves to keep people safer, especially the most vulnerable.

RA 7877 focuses on stopping sexual harassment in workplaces, schools, and training centers. It punishes acts like unwanted advances or comments that create a stressful or uncomfortable environment. The law also makes employers and school heads responsible for taking action and creating safe spaces for everyone.

Laws like RA 8353 and RA 7877 are important because they protect people, especially women, from harm and help them seek justice. They also teach us to respect others and create a community where everyone feels safe.

As students, we can help by being aware of these issues, standing up for what’s right, and supporting efforts to end violence against women. It’s a small step toward a bigger change.

REFERENCE:

https://images.app.goo.gl/Wci6wT5schmv8y2s8