The Mind Matters Movement and several Silliman student organizations hosted the Project Space Impact webinar, which discusses safe spaces, gender-based sexual violence, the importance of mental support systems, and the power of the youth in today’s matters, last May 1, 2021.
The event was opened by Vice President Leni Robredo through a pre-recorded video.
The first speaker was Filipino legislator and women’s advocate Samira Gutoc, who spoke about the Anti-Bastos Law and how to be a safe space to others.
“It is important to always be aware as these (gender-based violence) incidents can occur anywhere, and we must be able to document and report on these. We must always be aware of the concept of the three U’s, unwanted, unwelcomed, and uninvited when it comes to gender-based violence,” said Gutoc.
Second speaker Riyan Portugez, a registered psychologist and creator of Your Millennial Psychologist, shared the importance of belief and support systems.
“Belief is really important to talk about. It may be simple when we look at it, but when we apply it to the larger picture, it shows its true form. Belief provides a map, it provides meaning to our lives. It filters our perceptions.” Portugez shared during her lecture.
The event’s last speaker, Arizza Nocum, peace and education advocate and founder of KRIS Library, spoke about the path to a more inclusive society and how differences can be used to form a better, more understanding world. She also talked about the existence of inequality and privileges as the barriers between an inclusive society.
“We must strive for inner peace as well as outer peace. If we do not have a sense of inner peace, if we don’t take care of ourselves physically, emotionally, and mentally, we won’t have the genuine drive to promote peace. If we won’t take care of ourselves, how can we take care of others?” Nocum said.
The initiative has reached national levels of recognition, and the webinars attracted students from various schools in the Philippines.
Project Space Impact is an online forum under the Mind Matters Movement which aims to discuss and educate people about Safe Space and how it can be an avenue to bring a positive change and impact in the Silliman community and in society.
