Women’s Month begins at SM Supermalls

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.

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, workplace and online. Labor and Employment Undersecretary Benjo Santos 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, 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.”

The compelling interactive exhibit titled Walk in Her Shoes, by the United Nations Philippines was also launched on the same day and is ongoing until March 10 at SM North Edsa, Level 3, Main Mall.

The exhibit features real stories from women and girls, shedding light on different forms of