Philippines: Activists fight to change culture of harassment

Summary

Journalist Shai Lagarde addresses gender-related issues in the Philippines, advocating against harassment and victim blaming. Despite having high-ranking female officials, the country still has no divorce recognition and a low age of sexual consent. The 'I am a girl' movement, inspired by #MeToo, fights against a culture that includes rape occurring hourly and a conservative church opposing women's rights. Activists face challenges from officials, including President Duterte's rape jokes, and push for legislative changes to criminalize sexual intercourse with minors and combat sexual harassment.

Takeaways

• 🗣️ Shai Lagarde is a journalist advocating against harassment and victim blaming towards women and young girls in the Philippines.
• 🚶‍♂️ She experienced harassment personally when a man followed her home and made vulgar advances.
• 🌐 Women in the Philippines have joined a local version of the global #MeToo movement, highlighting the issue of sexual harassment.
• 🏢 Despite having a high number of female executives and two female presidents, the Philippines still has no legal recognition of divorce and a low age of sexual consent at 12.
• 📜 A bill has been filed in Congress to criminalize sexual intercourse with minors under 16, even with their consent.
• 🚨 Government data indicates that at least one woman or child is raped every hour in the Philippines, often from impoverished backgrounds and afraid to report it.
• ⛪️ The influence of a conservative church is seen as a barrier to women's rights, including reproductive health and rights.
• 👨‍💼 Government officials, including President Rodrigo Duterte, have been criticized for their attitudes towards women, with Duterte joking about rape in public speeches.
• 🏛️ Activists call for continued legislative action and oversight to address sexual harassment, which they see as a byproduct of a broader rape culture.
• 💪 Shai Lagarde is determined to continue her fight for change despite recognizing the challenges she faces.

Q & A

Who is Shai Lagarde and what is her focus?

Shai Lagarde is a journalist who focuses on gender-related issues, particularly speaking against a culture of harassment and victim blaming towards women and young girls.

What is the significance of the Filipino version of the global 'MeToo' movement?

The Filipino version of the 'MeToo' movement, 'I Am A Girl', was created to address the issue of sexual harassment and to encourage women to speak out against it, following a controversial Facebook message from a police station advising women to dress modestly to avoid harassment.

Why is the Philippines the only country globally where divorce is not recognized?

The Philippines has a predominantly conservative culture, heavily influenced by the Catholic Church, which opposes divorce, leading to the country's unique position of not recognizing divorce.

What is the current legal age of sexual consent in the Philippines?

The current age of sexual consent in the Philippines is 12 years old, which is one of the lowest in the world.

What bill has been filed in the Philippines to address sexual intercourse with minors?

A bill has been filed in the Philippines to criminalize sexual intercourse between an adult and a minor aged 16 years old and below, even if the child gave consent to the act.

How prevalent is rape in the Philippines according to government data?

Government data from the Philippines indicates that at least one woman or child is raped every hour, with most victims coming from impoverished communities.

What is the role of the Catholic Church in influencing women's rights in the Philippines?

The Catholic Church in the Philippines plays a significant role in influencing women's rights, often opposing advocacies such as sexually reproductive health and rights, which has led to a slow progress in enacting laws related to these issues.

How has President Rodrigo Duterte's behavior impacted the issue of sexual harassment?

President Rodrigo Duterte has been criticized for joking about raping women in his public speeches, which activists say contributes to a culture of normalization of sexual harassment and violence against women.

What is the 'Safe Spaces or Bowl Busters Act' and why was it enacted?

The 'Safe Spaces or Bowl Busters Act' is a recent law in the Philippines that recognizes and prohibits sexual harassment in public spaces, making it punishable by law, in an effort to combat the widespread issue of sexual harassment.

What challenges does Shai Lagarde face in her advocacy work?

Shai Lagarde faces challenges such as a conservative society, opposition from the influential Catholic Church, and even inappropriate comments from public figures like the President, which contribute to a difficult environment for advocating women's rights and against sexual harassment.

What is Shai Lagarde's stance on the fight against sexual harassment and victim blaming?

Shai Lagarde is determined to continue her battle against sexual harassment and victim blaming, despite acknowledging the challenges, as she believes it is crucial for the advancement of women's rights and safety in the Philippines.