Actress and law-student Yasmien Kurdi is using her platform this International Women’s Month to highlight the importance of protecting and empowering women through both advocacy and the law.
Yasmien is currently pursuing her law degree at Arellano University. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the same university and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2019.
In an Instagram post on March 7, Yasmin shared a glimpse of her day as a law student. Alongside a photo taken after finishing her first exam of the semester, the actress reflected on how meaningful the moment felt, especially as the exam she had just taken centered on gender sensitivity and women’s rights.
READ: Yasmien Kurdi and Nelson Canlas team up for children's book to raise awareness about bullying
“One of my favorite subjects in law school is Gender Sensitivity and Laws on Women and Children’s Rights and I also submitted my reaction paper on the Supreme Court’s Legal Feminism in Philippine Gender Jurisprudence today 💜,” she said.
“Legal feminism in Philippine jurisprudence reflects the lived realities of Filipinas, our struggles through the years, the voices that were once silenced, and our continuing fight for dignity and equality,” she continued.
In her post, Yasmien emphasized that the Philippines has enacted several laws that aim to safeguard women’s rights and welfare. Among these are the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act (RA 9262), the Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710), the Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313 or Bawal Bastos Law), the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act (RA 7877). She noted that these laws are “strengthened by Supreme Court jurisprudence affirming the State’s duty is to uphold and protect the fundamental human rights of women.”
Reflecting on the significance of Women’s Month, Yasmien shared that justice is not limited to written laws but is also reflected in the courage and resilience of women everywhere.
“Sana ngayong Buwan ng Kababaihan, magsilbing itong paalala sa lahat na ang hustisya ay hindi lamang nakasulat sa mga batas. Ito ay nabubuhay sa mga kwento, katatagan, at tapang ng kababaihan saanman sa mundo.”
She also encouraged women to continue challenging systems that silence or limit them, reminding them to stand firm in asserting their rights and dignity.
“Women, please do continue to challenge systems. Do not let others dictate who you should be or how you should live. Set your boundaries, know your rights, break the silence, and claim the equality we deserve. 💜”
“BABAE AKO! Bakit? May problema ba? HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S MONTH! ☺️,” she concluded.
Before entering law school, Yasmien had already pursued other passions beyond acting. In 2024, she expanded her interests into culinary arts, completing the Part-Time Certificate Program in Pastry & Bakery Arts at the Academy of Pastry and Culinary Arts.
More recently, Yasmien also ventured into children’s literature. She collaborated with broadcast journalist Nelson Canlas on a children’s book titled “Si Jose at ang Mahiwagang Taguri”, which aims to raise awareness about bullying among young readers.
The two recently represented the book at the launch of the Philippine Book Festival 2026, continuing their efforts to inspire the next generation through storytelling and anti-bullying advocacy.