AS A MANIFESTATION of strong commitment in empowering women and creating a gender equal institution, the Gender and Development (GAD) Unit of Lingayen Campus spearheaded by Dr. Presley de Vera, enjoined the hearts of PSUnians to celebrate National Women’s Month thru a Webinar on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment on March 5 (Monday).
Ms. Jo Enrica C. Enriquez, a certified member of the National Gender Resource Pool, served as the Resource Speaker for the three-hour talk highlighting the current situation of Gender Equality and Women Empowerment in the country focusing on trafficking and prostitution.
During her discussion, she shared discussion on concepts of gender equality stressing rights, responsibilities and opportunities; gender equity as process towards fairness to men and women; and women empowerment addressing women’s sense of worth.
Ms. Enriquez who is also the Executive Director of Coalition Against Trafficking in Women – Asia Pacific, said, “Mahalaga na bigyan ng importansya ang partisipasyon kasama diyan ang pagsasalita- patuloy na pagsasalita na hindi natatakot pagdating sa ating opinion.”
As a passionate advocate, she encouraged all women to confidently and meaningfully engage with appropriate institutions to ensure that they contribute to and benefit from the development and changes.
“Hindi totoo na hindi kaya ng babae ang mga pampolitikang posisyon. Makapangyarihan tayong lahat. Tayo’y nilikha na pantay-pantay,” the resource speaker noted on issue about women political participation.
Moreover, Dr. Dexter R. Buted seconded the statement as he mentioned the significant role of women and men as developmental partners for changes in the society.
“The theme resonates the call for gender-balance in leadership and decision-making; inclusion of women’s concerns in leadership platforms and the government’s development agenda; capacitating and preparing women to reach their ambitions,” the University President said.
As the university advocates a gender-fair PSU evident on the programs and activities of the GAD Office, he emphasized the change that the society need wherein ‘CHANGE’ stands for Compassionate and Harmonized Actions and Networks for Gender Equality.
Said webinar is anchored on the theme of the National Women’s Month Celebration, “We Make Change Work for Women” which is celebrated every March. /mmpd