In celebration of National Women’s Month, the Center for Gender and Development (CGAD) and the Students of Arts and Sciences Organization (SASO) successfully conducted an outreach initiative titled “Tahanang Walang Bubong: Empowering Women Deprived of Liberty Through Legal Forum” at the Ilocos Sur Provincial Jail on March 6, 2026.
The program aimed to provide accessible legal support to women deprived of liberty while strengthening awareness of the realities they face. The initiative emphasized promoting justice, dignity, and compassionate engagement with women in conflict with the law.
The activity opened with preliminary proceedings that introduced the objectives of the outreach and formally welcomed the participants. Organizers highlighted the importance of extending university services to marginalized sectors of the community, particularly women who often experience limited access to legal information and assistance.
A key highlight of the program was the legal forum led by Christian Casildo, Coordinator for Training, Extension, and Advocacy of the Center for Gender and Development. In his talk on “Women Deprived of Liberty and the Law,” Atty. Casildo discussed the legal rights and protections afforded to incarcerated women and underscored the challenges they commonly encounter within the justice system.
The forum was followed by a Legal Aid Session, where participants were given the opportunity to share their experiences and seek legal guidance. The session created a safe and supportive space for open dialogue, allowing the women to raise concerns and gain a clearer understanding of their legal circumstances.
To conclude the program, certificates were awarded to recognize the participation and contributions of those involved in the initiative. A simple game activity was also facilitated by SASO officers, led by its President, Russel Academia, to bring fun, encouragement, and a sense of community among the participants and organizers.
Through the outreach activity, CGAD and SASO brought university-led services directly to the community, particularly to marginalized women. The initiative forms part of the observance of National Women’s Month and reflects the organizations’ continuing commitment to empowerment, justice, and meaningful community engagement.
Organizers reaffirmed their advocacy for dignity, awareness, and supportive pathways for women navigating the complexities of the law, emphasizing that community collaboration and access to information remain vital in empowering women deprived of liberty.
