In line with its commitment to women’s empowerment and gender equality, SM Supermalls, through its corporate social responsibility arm, SM Cares, launched this year’s Women’s Month celebration with a series of events championing a safe, inclusive, and enabling environment for women.
Promoting safe spaces for women at SM
Nearly 17,000 SM Supermalls front liners, employees, and partners gathered at the SM North Edsa Sky Dome and online on March 1 for a nationwide orientation on the Safe Spaces Act (Bawal Bastos Law) or Republic Act No. 11313. The Act penalizes gender-based sexual harassment committed in public spaces, educational or training institutions, workplaces, and online. Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Undersecretary Atty. Benjo Santos M. Benavidez served as the forum’s keynote speaker and expounded on gender-based sexual harassment and the Safe Spaces Act.
Organized by SM Cares, in partnership with the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) and the DOLE, the forum is part of SM’s ongoing nationwide campaign to promote a safe, inclusive and empowering environment for women, and builds on the success of the first Safe Spaces Act orientation in October 2023, which saw the participation of 7,614 attendees from SM malls across the country.
SM Assistant Vice President and Program Director Jessica Sy reaffirmed SM’s commitment to preventing harassment and gender bias against women, especially within its premises, “We recognize that there are ongoing, systemic challenges that Filipinas continue to face today, both in the workplace and in society. By actively engaging with the public sector to educate our own people on the Safe Spaces Act, we remain committed to uphold the rights and dignity of women”. Sy also reflected on the legacy of her grandfather, Mr. Henry Sy, Sr., which underscores the importance of inclusivity and respect in everything SM does, and added, “Remembering this provides a richer context when we say, Bawal bastos sa SM”.
‘Walk in Her Shoes’ exhibit
The compelling interactive exhibit, ‘Walk in Her Shoes’, by the United Nations Philippines was also launched on the same day and is ongoing until March 10 at the SM North Edsa, Level 3, Main Mall. The exhibit features real stories from women and girls, shedding light on different forms of gender-based violence they experience. The exhibit strives to raise awareness about the widespread nature of violence against women (VAW), encourage reflection on harmful social norms, and inspire collective action to end VAW.
During the launch, UN Philippines Resident Coordinator Gustavo Gonzalez thanked the PCW for leading efforts to empower women, and SM Cares and SM Supermalls for providing the space and platform to raise awareness about gender inequality and gender-based violence. “Gender equality demands a whole-of-government, whole-of-society approach. Only through collaboration across sectors can we dismantle harmful norms and build a world where women and girls enjoy the same rights and opportunities as men,” he said, adding that gender equality has economic impacts as it results in sustainable development.
SM lights up in purple to welcome Women’s Month
In solidarity with the ‘Purple Your Icon’ advocacy initiated by the PCW, several iconic SM landmarks and malls across the country lit up in purple to support the advancement of gender equality and women’s empowerment for a brighter future.
“Adorning our surroundings this month with purple serves not only as a beautiful tribute, but also as a powerful symbol. Purple signifies the spirit of women’s rights, highlighting the fight for equality and empowerment. It represents a future where limitations and stereotypes are transcended,” said PCW Officer-in-Charge Atty. Khay Ann Magundayao-Borlado.
SM Supermalls, through its social responsibility arm, SM Cares, champions women’s equality, empowerment, health, and welfare through its ongoing programs aimed at building a future where every woman feels safe, valued, respected, and enabled to reach her full potential.