Name: Ma. Nymfa Jade Q.

Quidlat

Teacher: Ann Margarit P. Bersano

Subject: Gender and Society

Date: January 31,2022

GAD Webinar “ Safe Spaces Act”

On December 13, 2021, Bohol Island State University offered us the opportunity to
participate in a GAD Webinar on the Safe Space Act, which they and I believe can be utilized to
teach everyone, particularly students, about the significance of the classroom having a
respectful and safe learning environment. When I read the webinar's topic, the Safe Spaces Act,
certain critical problems come to me, such as "Safe from what?" and "Safe from whom?" These
are the questions I'm interested in learning more about. The webinar was quite valuable to me
because it allowed us to learn more about the law's intent rather than just its title.

While attending the webinar, I was reminded that we have a law that guarantees
equality, security, and safety for all individuals in both private and public settings, including
online and in workplaces. I had previously been unable to protect myself after being harassed
by a boy who insisted on sitting next to me on public transportation. When he noticed me
getting ready to enter the cab, he'd dash over and take a seat next to me. It happens three
times, because the first time I don't think it's intentional, but the second time it seems like he's
really doing something wrong when he touches my legs, pretending to go with the motion of
the cab, but I really notice it's different, so I tell him to stop because he's younger than me and
it's not good to show disrespect. He finally came to a halt the next time, and it was at that point
that I felt better. Also, I've been in a group of friends who discriminate against me and call me
offensive names in front of other people, even if it's meant to be a joke, but it hurts and makes
me feel embarrassed. I used to think that whistling to sexy girls and calling people names like
crazy was just normal, but I heard some rumors that it was actually illegal, and after attending
the webinar, I was able to learn more about our rights, not just those of one gender, but the
rights of everyone under the Safe Spaces Act. Many institutions have accepted it, and it may
undoubtedly assist them in preventing discrimination, harassment, hostility, and threats.
Fortunately, I've learned to defend myself and others.

I'd like to add that I agree with President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and commend him for
bringing the Safe Spaces Act into law. We can only hope that people will be able to put their
newfound knowledge to good use now and in the future, since our president has already signed
the bill before. In their song "Space," The Avett Brothers sing, "I want to have friends that I can
trust, that love me, and that feel natural and easy in a volatile space." Of course, no one likes
friends that treat them horribly or say hurtful things. We are more likely to enjoy a healthy and
safe atmosphere if we are surrounded by kind people.