In celebration of Women’s Month, JCI Surigao North, in partnership with Globalport Surigao Terminal Inc., held a meaningful seminar titled “Safe Spaces Act: Gender Equality in the Workplace” under the Pinay Power Advocacy Series. The event, attended by 18 empowered women, was facilitated by Atty. Princess Jezrael A. Frondozo, 2025 LO Legal Counsel, who discussed key provisions of Republic Act 11313 (Safe Spaces Act), emphasizing inclusivity, protection, and respect in professional environments. The initiative demonstrated JCI Surigao North’s ongoing commitment to women empowerment and workplace equality.
The Challenge
In many workplaces across Surigao City, gender-based issues such as verbal harassment, inappropriate conduct, and unequal treatment remain underreported and often go unaddressed. A significant number of local women, especially in private companies and industrial sectors, are either unaware of the Safe Spaces Act or uncertain about how to exercise their rights. Cultural norms and fear of retaliation further discourage victims from speaking out. This lack of legal awareness and institutional support creates barriers to building safe, respectful, and empowering work environments for Surigaonon women.
The Solution
To respond to this gap, JCI Surigao North, in partnership with Globalport Surigao Terminal Inc., organized an awareness seminar to educate and empower local working women on the rights and protections afforded to them by RA 11313. Through the expertise of Atty. Frondozo, participants were guided through real-life examples and legal interpretations of the Safe Spaces Act. The session fostered open discussions, shared experiences, and built confidence among attendees to stand against harassment and promote gender equality in their respective workplaces. It also emphasized the employer’s role in policy enforcement and creating an inclusive, zero-tolerance culture.
The Result
The initiative successfully raised awareness among female employees in Surigao City, giving them a stronger grasp of their rights and equipping them with actionable knowledge on how to assert those rights within their organizations. The program inspired local companies, like Globalport, to take a more proactive stance on gender sensitivity and legal compliance. Most importantly, it marked a step forward in normalizing conversations around safe spaces, laying the groundwork for more empowered, respected, and supported women in Surigao’s workforce.