The freedom that women enjoy now are outcomes of centuries-old resistance to inequality, maltreatment, and injustices. Ever since liberty has been granted, women have continued to flourish. But the fight continues to this day. The first step to recognizing the right of every Filipina is to understand the law that protects her.
The Republic Act 9710 or the “Act Providing for the Magna Carta of Women” establishes the commitment of the government to eliminate all forms of discrimination and injustices against women. It seeks to recognize, protect, fulfill, and promote the rights of Filipino women. This bold move by the government has helped many to speak up for themselves.
However, despite the support and acceptance for women in society today, there is still an ongoing debate on various social issues where women are at stake. Social issues like rape, victim-blaming, and all forms of sexism, which is probably due to traditionalism and conservatism, are hindering the magnification of a greater cause. The cause is where the Magna Carta for Women stands.
As R.A. 9710 affirms women’s right as human rights, the state “shall intensify its efforts to fulfill its duties under international and domestic laws to recognize, respect, protect, fulfill, and promote all human rights and fundamental freedoms of women, especially marginalized women, in the economic, social, political, cultural, and other fields without distinction or discrimination on account of class, age, sex, gender, language, ethnicity, religion, ideology, disability, education, and status.”
Salient attributes of the law include Protection from Violence Against Women (that result in physical, sexual, and psychological harm or suffering to women), Non-discriminatory and non-derogatory portrayal of women in media (to raise the consciousness of the general public in recognizing the dignity of women in family, community, and the society), Increase in number of women in third level positions in government to achieve a fifty-fifty (50-50) gender balance, and Social Protection that “seeks to reduce poverty and vulnerability to risks and enhance the social status and rights of all women” through labor market programs, social insurance, social welfare, and social safety nets.
As we honor the courageous women who fought for equality, let us continue to spread awareness about women’s rights. The written law alone will not be as effective as women standing for and protecting each other.
