Cebu women advocates strongly push for localized “Bawal Bastos” law

CEBU CITY—The Zonta Club of Cebu II strongly pushing for the localization of Republic Act (RA)-11313 or the Safe Spaces Act or “Bawal Bastos” law and urged the various non-government organizations (NGOs), women’s advocates and government agencies in Central Visayas to join them in marking the 18 Days of Activism Against Violence Against Women (VAW) and to create a truly “Safe Space” for all.

In the first of a series of zoom webinars titled “Dissecting the Safe Spaces Act” on November 24, Zonta Club of Cebu II president Elena Young in her opening remarks called for and challenged all local government units (LGUs) and women advocates for an improved laws and services to end violence against women for good

Young went on that one such landmark piece of legislation is RA-11313 or the Safe Spaces Act, more popularly known as “Bawal Bastos Law” that the Zonta Club lobbied for the passing of a local ordinance that adopts the provisions of the law.

“We believe that passing and enacting more legislations that aim to protect women, it leads to the creation of more secured places in the City that will allow everyone to continue their livelihood, studies, careers, and their daily endeavors, safely and equally,” Young stated.

Young added that the nobody deserves to be at the receiving end of slurs or unwanted harassment that make people cringe and think twice about their plans or route for the next day. She added that nobody deserves to feel embarrassed, helpless, like they are less of a person, or violated.

“The Safe Spaces Act is holistic, and it is not only for a single sector such as women, children or the LGBTQ+ separately.  It is for ALL, that’s why our advocacy is described as Safe Spaces for Everyone,” Young added.

Young said that the Zonta Club will continue to work to ensure that the communities will become places where a person is respected, secured, able to show and communicate one’s true self.

A place where there is genuine care, a support system, sensitivity, equality, no judgment and no discrimination of one’s gender, age, race, social standing and experiences, Young concluded.