ISUFST launches 3-day gender sensitivity mainstreaming event

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The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) kicked off its three-day Gender Sensitivity Training and Gender Mainstreaming for the Gender and Development Focal Point System (GFPS) this Wednesday, March 13, at Smallville 21, Mandurriao, Iloilo. The event, under the theme “Seeing Through the Lens of Gender: Deepen your Understanding and Impact,” aims to educate and engage 50 of the university’s vice presidents, deans, directors, office heads, and selected coordinators on gender issues and gender-responsive strategies.

The training started with an opening address by Dr. Lenirose Mondero, the Director of ISUFST Gender and Development, followed by an inspirational message from University President Dr. Nordy Siason, Jr. The seminar workshop is facilitated by esteemed resource speakers P/Col Ma. Cecilia Detablan and UP Professor Dr. Rosario Asong focused on a comprehensive gender sensitivity curriculum to foster an inclusive and equitable academic environment.

The first day’s agenda included training on the four premises of gender, statistics on local gender issues, gender awareness, and discussions on the legal bases of Gender and Development (GAD), covering both international policies and domestic legal frameworks. The session concluded with a short assessment and an open forum to encourage dialogue and reflection among participants.

The afternoon session delved into gender sensitivity, equality, equity, gender bias, the differences between sex and gender, categorization of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression, as well as the distinctions between gender roles, gender division of labor, and the implications of these concepts in the school setting.

The second day, scheduled for Thursday, March 24, will continue with discussions on gender socialization, mass gender subordination, the HerStory narrative, gender-related laws supporting women’s welfare and rights, and the vision of a gender-fair society.

The workshop’s final day will concentrate on strategies for GAD mainstreaming, aiming to integrate gender-sensitive approaches into the university’s policies, programs, and projects. Through this initiative, ISUFST reaffirms its commitment to promoting gender equity and inclusivity within its community, aspiring to model gender fairness and understanding in higher education institutions across the region. (Herman M. Lagon)