In celebration of 2025 National Women’s Month, the Open University and the College of Law partnered in organizing a Workshop on Empowering Women and Promoting Gender Equality. The event, held at Selah Vie – San Ildefonso, Ilocos Sur on March 27, 2025, was attended by employees of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Sto. Domingo as part of the provisions of the existing Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between UNP and LGU Sto. Domingo.
Leading the team for this initiative was Dr. Wilson Tolio, Assistant Dean of the Open University. His leadership and dedication played a crucial role in the success of the event, reinforcing the commitment of UNP to legal education and gender advocacy.
Atty. Zsarmaine Lee Prades, an esteemed faculty member at the College of Law, served as the resource speaker. The focal point of Atty. Prades’ discussion was Republic Act 9262, or The Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004. She provided an in-depth analysis of the law, emphasizing the legal protections afforded to women and children, the responsibilities of government institutions and the role of communities in preventing and addressing gender-based violence.
The activity aimed to enhance the awareness of LGU employees regarding gender-based violence and empower them with legal knowledge to advocate for the protection and rights of women and children in their respective communities. Interactive discussions and case studies were conducted to engage participants and deepen their understanding of the topic.
The UNP OU and College of Law remain committed to fostering gender equality and empowering women through legal education and capacity-building initiatives. The success of this workshop highlights the strong partnership between OU and LGU Sto. Domingo, reinforcing their shared commitment to advocating for women’s rights and welfare.
Article by: Wilson Tolio.
