Gender and development promotion is the way.

Aimed at foregrounding gender and development in faculty activities, a Gender Sensitivity Training for the newly hired teaching personnel of higher education institutions (HEIs) in the district was organized by the University Center for Gender and Development (CGAD) in partnership with the Ilocos Sur Community College (ISCC).

The training was held at the UNP Guestel Function Hall on October 25-26, 2023.

The two-day training supports HEIs’ obligation to put the Magna Carta of Women and the CHED Memorandum Order No. 1 s of 2015 into practice and give the newly hired teaching staffs a chance to acknowledge their responsibilities in promoting gender equality, women empowerment, and workplace inclusivity.

The program commenced with the introductory remarks of Dr. Vonnavic Racuya-Agad, UNP CGAD Director, as well as a synopsis of the course.

Dr. Agad’s remarks were followed by an overview of the activities by Ms. Cheenette T. Torricer, GAD Coordinator of ISCC.

The first course session stressed GAD concepts and gender issues. Dr. Agad, the resource speaker, stated that “biases/unconscious biases should be minimized if not totally eradicated.”

This implies that professionals should serve as advocates of gender sensitivity by put into practice mechanisms for empowerment, especially of women and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Further, enriching human existence by having a deep understanding of gender-based mandates eliminates or minimizes the risk of gender issues and inequalities.

“Development is for all,” Dr. Ma. Jesusa R. Unciano also emphasized. She, the second speaker, highlighted that fairness and equity means that everyone is entitled to the same opportunity to have and achieve a meaningful and satisfying life.

Exchange of ideas and experiences, as well as an open forum and a workshop, followed.