By Liza Soriano
PRIVATE sector employers and workers are responsible for preventing gender-based sexual harassment (GBSH) in workplaces.
In his talk during the Orientation on Republic Act No. 11313, or the Safe Spaces Act for frontline workers of SM supermalls nationwide, DOLE Undersecretary Benjo Santos M. Benavidez underscored that the law mandates employees and co-workers to prevent, deter, and report any form of GBSH in the workplace.
A product of the partnership between the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) and SM Supermalls, the hybrid learning session attended by the mall chain’s janitorial and security personnel is the first in a series of seminars promoting gender equality and women empowerment in the company.
Citing the provisions of the law, the undersecretary also said that co-workers are urged to provide emotional or social support to fellow employees, co-workers, colleagues, or peers who are victims of GBSH.
Similarly, Undersecretary Benavidez also stressed the employers’ role in preventing, deterring, and punishing the conduct of GBSH acts in the workplace.
Establishments are mandated to constitute a Committee on Decorum and Investigation (CODI), an independent internal grievance mechanism, tasked to investigate and resolve GBSH complaints, according to the DOLE exec.
The law requires the CODI to adequately represent the management, supervisory employees, rank-and-file employees, and the union if there is any. The committee shall also be headed by a woman and not less than half of its members shall be women.
The Committee is also mandated to observe due process and investigate and decide on the complaints within 10 days or less upon receipt thereof. It shall also protect the complainant from retaliation and guarantee confidentiality to the greatest extent possible.
PCW Executive Director and Officer-in-Charge, Atty. Kristine Rosary E. Yuzon-Chaves said the orientation is timely and significant as the nation gears for the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women in November.
She also cited the activity as a vital convergence between the public and private sectors in promoting gender equality and women empowerment.
SM Supermalls executives also expressed their support towards guaranteeing safe spaces for all.
“We must uphold this Act and ensure that SM Supermalls remain a safe, secure, and respectful environment for all. Today’s orientation is one way of reinforcing and promoting an open and nurturing environment as we serve each and every customer that comes into our mall,” said Engr. Liza Silerio, SM Supermalls Vice President for Corporate Compliance Group. (AI/MNM)
