Kapamilya star Liza Soberano turned emotional as she delivered her speech during her special participation in a webinar organized by Gabriela Youth, which is an organization that advocates the rights of women and children.
The 22-year-old actress was invited to be one of the youth’s speakers during the organization’s Facebook live stream on Tuesday, October 13, with the webinar titled as ‘Mga Tinig ni Nene: Reclaiming Our Voices on the International Day of the Girl Child.’
The ‘International Day of the Girl Child’ is an international observance celebrated every October 11 which recognizes the rights of women along with the challenges that they face in life.
Liza was joined by women activists like Gabriela Youth secretary-general Clarice Palce, Andria Vera of ‘Alyansa ng mga Residente sa Katuparan Youth’, lawyer Minnie Lopez of Gabriela Services, and Nikki Aserios of the Children’s Rehabilitation Center.
The young actress was asked to talk about spreading awareness regarding the safety of women with her topic: “The young woman’s contribution to raising awareness and creating a safe environment for young women amid the pandemic.”
In her speech, she mentioned that she has recently been a part of a campaign against the online sexual exploitation of children along with Sen. Risa Hotiveros earlier this year.
She also talked about not being vocally active before with her advocacies thinking that it might create a conflict to her fans as someone who is a celebrity. She believed that it was right for her to avoid certain issues but she then realized that she should have been vocal with the advocacies she feels strongly about because it made a great difference to her as a person and to her fans and supporters as well.
“Ang paniniwala ko po dati na pag artista ka, dapat umiiwas ka sa lahat ng issues. Dapat we just keep talking about our craft, and the next movie we’re making and everything. Kasi, I was afraid that people would judge me. They would say, what do I know, I’m just a girl, I’m just an actress,” Liza said.
“But then I realized, especially, most recently when there was someone who made a sexual abuse comment towards me… I realized the impact of me standing up for myself, especially after I filed a criminal case against somebody who made a rape joke against me,” she added.
Liza became emotional as she recalled her experience of receiving a rape joke which led to her filing a criminal case. Her action brought positive responses from people and she was especially moved by the response from 5 of her fans who expressed their gratitude to her.
“A lot of my supporters — actually I think there were five — messaged me and were saying, ‘Thank you.’ Honestly, I cried when they sent me those messages because I didn’t realize how many women were struggling to stand up for themselves,” she said.
The actress also noted that all people should change for the better and help those people who need it the most. She feels strongly that people who hold power and influence towards the people should be the ones to speak up and advocate change and awareness to others.
“Change cannot be just the responsibility of the people who need it most. They need the support of everyone, especially those of the highest power if we are to see true change.
“As a woman, as a Filipino artist, I think that women and influencers alike should start speaking up. They can contribute not only awareness about these issues but also encouragement and confidence to our fellow women and children — that they need to learn to stand up for themselves,” said Liza.
She hopes that with her initiative to speak up, with fellow actress Angel Locsin as one of her inspirations, people would be able to find the courage to speak up for their rights as well.
“I know it’s easier said than done and not all of us have the luxury or the confidence or power or support system to do so. But based on my own experience, when I saw more and more of my friends starting to speak up about issues that mattered to them — like Ate Angel Locsin, or even my idols Angelina Jolie and Emma Watson — it empowers me and it gives me the courage to start speaking up about these issues, too. Because they matter, and we need to start seeing change in the world,” she said.
Meanwhile, Liza Soberano gained praise from netizens who commended the actress for her conviction on raising awareness to people regarding women’s rights.
Director Antoinette Jadaone, who Liza worked with her film Alone/Together, recognized the young actress in her participation in the youth’s event.
Liza Soberano with Gabriela Youth ❤️ https://t.co/I5Gx9JeGEJ
— Toñet (@tonetjadaone) October 13, 2020
“Liza Soberano with Gabriela Youth,” direk Tonette wrote on Twitter.
A Twitter user also said that Liza was an inspiration to people saying, “Liza talking and getting emotional about women’s struggles everyday speaks volume. She knows how rotten the system is. There are actually no words to even comprehend how inspiring this woman is. Indeed proud is an understatement. Abante, Babae! @lizasoberano”
Liza talking and getting emotional about women's struggles everyday speaks volume. She knows how rotten the system is. There are actually no words to even comprehend how inspiring this woman is. Indeed proud is an understatement. Abante, Babae! @lizasoberano#LIZAxGabrielaYouth pic.twitter.com/ZYG4vGOP1r
— ً (@futchmomo) October 13, 2020
Another netizen also expressed his gratitude to the actress for using her influence as an artist to help spread awareness to other people.
https://twitter.com/LizQuen24th/status/1316008115330924545
“i love u more @lizasoberano Thank you for using your platform to raise awareness. We’re so proud of you!”
https://twitter.com/mashley_11/status/1316261356820000770
https://twitter.com/stunninghopie/status/1316258185947148288
https://twitter.com/nighteye_mac/status/1316253464431747072
https://twitter.com/TriggerHippieTV/status/1316251240884396033
Love you! @lizasoberano
Liza Soberano to influencers: Use voices for children, women https://t.co/ZjyThjoq2Q— E_Ninja2 (she/her/elle) (@e_ninja2) October 14, 2020
