The Center for Gender and Development (CGAD) officially launched #PurpleShelves: A National Women’s Month Book Corner on March 12, 2026, reinforcing its commitment to advance gender awareness through the power of literature. The initiative features a curated collection of books that highlight women’s experiences, rights, struggles, and achievements, creating an accessible learning space that encourages readers to engage in meaningful conversations on gender equality and women’s empowerment.
The #PurpleShelves book corner features a thoughtfully curated collection of reading materials that highlight women’s rights, gender studies, leadership, and inspiring narratives that celebrate the resilience, achievements, and contributions of women in various sectors of society. The collection aims to provide readers with accessible resources that promote gender awareness, encourage meaningful dialogue, and deepen understanding of issues affecting women and gender equality.
In addition to books and reference materials, the corner also showcases the official publications of the University of Northern Philippines Center for Gender and Development (CGAD). Among these are the GAD Pamulinawen Magazine, the gender and development newsletter, and a selection of CGAD research journals, which present scholarly works, institutional initiatives, and community-based studies related to gender and development. Through these publications, the university highlights its continuing efforts in advancing gender-responsive research, advocacy, and extension programs that support women’s empowerment and inclusive development.
In addition, the book corner provides informational brochures and pamphlets on key gender-related laws in the Philippines, such as the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004, Safe Spaces Act, Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, and the Anti-Rape Law of 1997, among others. These materials are made available for readers to take home free of charge, further extending the reach of gender awareness beyond the reading space.
The launch was attended by university officials, including the Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Rolando Navarro, the Vice President for Finance and Administration Mr. Albert Tejero, and the University Board Secretary Atty. Jonalyn Almachar, who expressed support for initiatives that promote gender awareness and inclusive learning within the academic community.
Through this initiative, CGAD makes educational resources that support gender-responsive learning more accessible to the academic community. The #PurpleShelves book corner also serves as a platform that sparks meaningful conversations and promotes deeper understanding of gender-related issues among students, faculty, and staff.
The #PurpleShelves book corner is located at the 2nd Floor Lobby of the Administration Building of University of Northern Philippines, making the resources easily accessible to students, faculty, staff, and visitors of the university.
