ISABELA CITY, Basilan (PIA) – In celebration of National Women’s Month, Attorney Alman-Najar L. Namla, provincial director of the Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission, is advocating for women’s empowerment in Basilan.
Addressing the theme “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas” (Women in All Sectors, Progressing the Future in the New Philippines), Namla highlighted the importance of laws and policies that protect and promote the rights of women and children during an interview with the Philippine Information Agency.
“It has the Bagong Pilipinas branding, which means this is in line with President Marcos’ whole-government approach, which aims to recognize the achievements and ongoing challenges faced by women across all sectors, be it private or public,” he said.
Namla discussed key legislative frameworks, including the Magna Carta of Women, or Republic Act 9710, a landmark law designed to ensure women live free from violence, discrimination and inequality. The legislation emphasizes the need for equal opportunities for women in every sector of society.
He also discussed the Safe Spaces Act, or Republic Act 11313, known colloquially as the “Bawal Bastos Law.” He explained that this law is a crucial piece of legislation aimed at protecting individuals, especially women, from gender-based sexual harassment in public spaces, workplaces and online environments.
“The Safe Spaces Act is essential in creating respectful and secure environments for all individuals,” he said.
Moreover, Namla underscored the Expanded Maternity Leave Law, which provides enhanced benefits for women, securing their rights to adequate time off for caregiving while maintaining job security. He pointed out the law’s positive implications for women, facilitating a better work-life balance.
He said the Reproductive Health Act, or Republic Act 10354, is also a groundbreaking law ensuring universal access to reproductive health services and education.
“This law aims to provide reproductive health care for all. So, this also mandated maternal health care and adolescent reproductive health education. Overall, this is another law which aims to protect the rights of women, on top of the other laws that we have discussed,” he added.
Namla cited some challenges faced by women in Basilan, such as cultural barriers like the pervasive culture of silence, which often inhibits women’s willingness to speak out against violence and harassment. He stressed that resource constraints in many communities further complicate the challenges faced in addressing these pressing issues.
To overcome these obstacles, Namla called for stronger local partnerships with the media, enhancing outreach and awareness regarding women’s rights. He also urged interagency collaboration to ensure effective law implementation and provide better support for women in need.
Namla reaffirmed the need for ongoing advocacy and a collective commitment to building a society where women and children live free from violence and discrimination, with equal opportunities for growth and success.
“Together, we can create a brighter future for everyone,” he said, inspiring hope and action to all Basileños. (EDT/NDR/LAU-PIA Basilan)
