Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU) has taken significant strides toward realizing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5: Gender Equality. This goal calls for eliminating gender-based disparities in all spheres, from educational access to career opportunities. BPSU has implemented policies, facilities, and support systems to create an inclusive environment for women, advancing their role within the university community and society at large. The following narrative provides a comprehensive account of BPSU’s initiatives to foster gender equality across various aspects of university life

Women’s Access to Higher Education: A Growing Majority

For the Academic Year 2022-2023, BPSU recorded a notable demographic trend: 53.04% of total enrollees were women, equating to 3,649 female students out of the total enrollees. This trend spans a variety of disciplines, demonstrating the university’s commitment to inclusivity across fields. Specifically, female enrollment includes 101 students in Agriculture and Fisheries, 54 in Arts and Sciences, 448 in Allied Health and Sciences, 1,060 in Business and Accountancy, 855 in Education, 437 in Engineering and Architecture, 170 in Information and Communications Technology, 357 in Social and Behavioral Sciences, and 127 in Technology​(SDG05).

Encouraging First-Generation Women in Academia

Approximately 44% of female students entering BPSU are first-generation learners, meaning they are the first in their families to pursue higher education. This statistic highlights BPSU’s role in transforming family legacies through education. Of the 1,588 female students starting degrees, 699 are first-generation women, underlining the institution’s supportive approach toward those who lack a family history in academia. With programs tailored to ensure these students receive both academic and personal guidance, BPSU fosters an environment where educational equity is prioritized​(SDG05).

Application and Acceptance: Ensuring Equal Opportunity

BPSU's comprehensive policies uphold equal access for all genders, with specific protocols to support women's applications, acceptance, and participation. As articulated in the BPSU Student Handbook (Chapter 1, Section 1: "Basic Policy") and the BPSU Code (Chapter 7, provision 122: "No Discrimination Admission"), these guidelines affirm that no student is discriminated against based on sex, socioeconomic background, nationality, religion, or political affiliation. For the Academic Year 2023-2024, 6,984 women applied to BPSU, of whom 3,364 were accepted, showcasing the institution’s commitment to facilitating access and reducing gender-based admission disparities​(SDG5).

Fostering Women’s Success in Underrepresented Fields

BPSU actively encourages female students to explore traditionally underrepresented fields, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The university provides mentoring, scholarships, and career guidance programs that aim to boost women’s confidence and capabilities in these areas. In addition, gender-sensitive policies enable women to pursue studies without bias, aligning with BPSU’s goal to create a well-rounded, inclusive academic experience.

Women’s Graduation and Career Preparation: Tracking and Support Mechanisms

The university also places a high priority on tracking women’s graduation rates and career readiness. In the last academic cycle, BPSU reported 2,944 graduates, including 1,817 female graduates across STEM, Medicine, and Arts & Humanities/Social Sciences disciplines. This number includes 414 female STEM graduates, 140 Medicine graduates, and 1,263 graduates in Arts & Humanities/Social Sciences. By closely monitoring these metrics, BPSU ensures that its female students receive the support necessary to complete their degrees and prepare for successful careers​(SDG05)​(SDG5).

Creating an Inclusive Workplace: Policies for Faculty and Staff

BPSU’s commitment to gender equality extends beyond its students to encompass faculty and staff. Out of the 1,208 employees employed by the university, 543 are academic staff, with 35 senior academic positions held by women. The university adheres to national laws such as Republic Act No. 6725 (Strengthening the Prohibition on Discrimination Against Women), ensuring fair treatment and equal opportunities in terms of employment conditions. These policies are complemented by maternity and paternity leave provisions, such as the Paternity Leave Act of 1996 (Republic Act 8187), which supports family care responsibilities​(SDG5).

Family-Friendly Policies and Facilities: Supporting Work-Life Balance

To further support its staff, BPSU is enhancing family-friendly facilities on campus. In response to growing demands, the university recently initiated a plan to establish child-minding centers across all campuses, following a successful pilot at the Dinalupihan Campus. This initiative, a partnership between BPSU’s Gender and Development Center and the Department of Architecture, is set to complete in 2025. By providing on-campus childcare options, BPSU demonstrates its dedication to enabling work-life balance for both male and female employees, thus fostering a more inclusive and supportive working environment​(SDG5).

Protecting Rights and Reporting Mechanisms

BPSU has implemented policies that provide a safe and supportive environment for reporting discrimination. The institution is vigilant in upholding Republic Acts that prohibit gender-based discrimination, such as RA 7192 (Women in Development and Nation Building Act), which underscores women’s equal rights in educational and professional settings. Moreover, Provincial Ordinance 16 of 2021, a local policy under the Bataan SOGIE Non-Discrimination Act, further strengthens protections for students and staff against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity​(SDG05).

Maternity and Paternity Support: Building a Holistic Environment

BPSU’s commitment to gender equality includes comprehensive maternity and paternity policies. For instance, Republic Act No. 11210 grants female employees a maternity leave of 105 days with full pay, allowing an additional 30-day unpaid extension if required. Meanwhile, paternity leave laws enable male employees to support their partners, promoting shared responsibility in child-rearing. Through these provisions, BPSU fosters a culture that values family needs while promoting gender equality in career advancement​(SDG5).

Future Commitments and Sustainable Gender Equality

BPSU’s gender initiatives reflect its broader commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 5. The university’s ongoing projects, policy updates, and support systems underscore a long-term strategy aimed at closing gender gaps and empowering women within the university community and beyond. With a focus on accessibility, equity, and inclusivity, BPSU is building a resilient foundation for gender equality, one that aligns with the broader objectives of sustainable development.

A Lasting Impact: Towards an Inclusive Future

BPSU’s commitment to Gender Equality is not merely about achieving statistical milestones; it is about creating an inclusive academic culture that enables all individuals to thrive. By ensuring equitable policies, fostering female participation in underrepresented fields, and providing family-supportive facilities, BPSU is setting a standard for other institutions to follow. As the university continues to expand its efforts and adapt to emerging needs, its dedication to SDG 5 will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on generations to come, contributing to a world where gender equality is not just an aspiration but a realized achievement.