SM Supermalls kicks off Women’s Month celebration with empowering initiatives

In dedication to fostering women’s empowerment and advancing gender equality, SM Supermalls, in collaboration with its corporate social responsibility arm, SM Cares, kickstarts this year’s Women’s Month festivities with a range of events dedicated to creating a secure, inclusive, and supportive environment for women.

Advocating safe spaces for women at SM

On March 1, nearly 17,000 front liners, employees, and partners of SM Supermalls convened at the SM North Edsa Sky Dome and virtually for a nationwide orientation on the Safe Spaces Act (Bawal Bastos Law), Republic Act No. 11313. This Act addresses gender-based sexual harassment in public spaces, educational institutions, workplaces, and online. At the event, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Undersecretary Atty. Benjo Santos M. Benavidez delivered a keynote address, shedding light on gender-based sexual harassment and the provisions of the Safe Spaces Act.

Organized by SM Cares in collaboration with the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) and DOLE, the forum builds on the success of the first Safe Spaces Act orientation in October 2023. SM Assistant Vice President and Program Director Jessica Sy reiterated SM’s commitment to preventing harassment and gender bias against women. She emphasized the importance of actively engaging with the public sector to educate people on the Safe Spaces Act, underscoring SM’s dedication to upholding the rights and dignity of women.

‘Walk in Her Shoes’ exhibit

Simultaneously, the compelling interactive exhibit, ‘Walk in Her Shoes,’ presented by the United Nations Philippines, was launched and continues until March 10 at SM North Edsa, Level 3, Main Mall. The exhibit shares real stories from women and girls, shedding light on various forms of gender-based violence. It aims to raise awareness about the prevalence of violence against women, encourage reflection on harmful social norms, and inspire collective action to end such violence.

‘Purple Your Icon’ advocacy

In solidarity with the ‘Purple Your Icon’ advocacy led by the PCW, iconic SM landmarks and malls nationwide lit up in purple, supporting the advancement of gender equality and women’s empowerment for a brighter future. This initiative symbolizes the spirit of women’s rights, emphasizing the fight for equality and empowerment, and envisions a future where limitations and stereotypes are transcended.

SM Supermalls, through its social responsibility arm, SM Cares, continues to champion women’s equality, empowerment, health, and welfare through ongoing programs, striving to build a future where every woman feels safe, valued, respected, and enabled to reach her full potential.