AIMING TO PROMOTE a “more inclusive and empowered community,” the Junior Bedan Law Circle (JBLC) formally launched its Social Justice Center through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing and conference at the Abbot Lopez Hall last February 27.
The Social Justice Center comprised of three flagship projects, namely: “Project Eva,” a program that addresses the challenges and issues faced by women; “Lingkod Laya,” a platform for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs); and “Handog ng Pag-asa,” an activity that supports the children of the underprivileged sectors of the community.
During its launch, the inaugurating activity featured two prominent speakers: Shannen Carreon from the Institute of Solidarity in Asia and an alumna from the Department of Legal Management, together with former Gabriela Women’s partylist Representative Emmi de Jesus.
In her opening remarks, Carreon tackled misconceptions about feminism, emphasizing that “it is a movement for all genders, not just women.” She also highlighted the challenges of engaging with certain sectors, particularly local government units (LGUs), that remain “resistant” to progressive gender policies.
While she acknowledged that the fight for gender equality would be “long and arduous,” she noted that society has made strides, and although there is still “much work to be done, meaningful change is underway.”
Rep. de Jesus spoke on the current societal issues about women and the statutes that give them assistance and protection by firstly discussing “how a bill becomes a law.” She then proceeded by tackling the many impediment gaps that occur in the legislative processes—which hinders or slows down the passing of the bills.
She continued her talk by discussing some of her notable legislative contributions about the divorce bill and other feminist codes such as passing the laws of Expanded Maternity Leave Law, and the Safe Spaces Act.
In an interview with The Bedan, Rheanna Yazmin Melanis, the activity chairperson of the event, shared how JBLC “dreamed big for the launching of the Social Justice Center.”
“We contacted the Department of Justice, the Supreme Court, and larger organizations related to law, women, and children. However, marami ang nag-decline kaysa sa nag-accept. But we are really grateful to those who accepted,” she said
Melanis and team then alternatively looked for a closer option. “That’s why we collaborated with Manila City Jail, the Department of Justice Office of the Prosecutor of Manila, Gabriela Partylist, and the Humanitarian Legal Assistance Foundation.”
She claimed that through the Social Justice Center, the JBLC makes a “tangible impact” by “identifying what needs to be done for the community” despite the doubts whether they could establish or sustain the project.
“That’s always the problem with organizations when it comes to activities. I think they should look into their hearts to understand what’s at their core. That way, it wouldn’t just be about helping them, but also about helping others,” added Melanis.
(with Paris Isaac Falcone)