The Gender and Development Office, through its Director Fatima Socorro M. Quianzon conducted a “Seminar on Gender Responsive and Participatory Extension Program” at ORDEX Hall, May 26, 8:00 am-12:00 nn to create impact to communities through responsive and participatory extension programs and research.
Dr. Richard Brun, Head of Science and Mathematics Department of the College of Education, shared a substantial talk in relation to gender and mainstreaming.
He proceeded to expound upon the concept of mainstreaming, which refers to interrelated set of dominant idea, values, practices, institutions and organization that determine who gets what within society.
Bolstering those who are marginalized in the society, the hallmark of gender framework lies in the provisions stipulated in Republic Act No. 11313 of 2021, which refers to Philippine Laws on Protection for women and children.
Boiling down to promoting gender equality in the society, Dr. Brun stated that the latter is a critical element in achieving decent work for men and women in order to effect institutional change that leads to substantial development with equity and growth.
Meanwhile, Dr. Jovito Madeja, Extension Director, remarked that there should be responsive and participatory efforts of the university, especially in promoting gender equality among faculty members, employees and students. “We can make our university a GAD-champion university,” he added.
As an advocate of gender and development, Dr. Fatima Socorro Quianzon elucidated the pivotal role of GAD office in promoting equality, equity, and inclusivity in the university.
The office is making itself more visible and proactive through holding various activities that will foster gender sensitivity and respect. “We can always embrace the concept of gender development and help our university to be gender- inclusive,” stated Dr. Quianzon.
The seminar culminated with an open forum that seemingly provides a panacea with regard to addressing member of LGBTQA+ issues like uniform and comfort room preferences in the university. This initiative will also serve as an avenue for more GAD research/ extension- oriented programs that will create significant impact to the community in the years to come.
