News and Events

Find out the latest activities of the Women and Gender Insitute here!

On its third year, the Philippine National Defense College of the Philippines - Philippine Center of Excellence in Defense, Development and Security partnered with WAGI  for a short course on Gender Analysis of Violence and Security” Theory, Research and Practice on December 13-15, 2023 via Zoom Conferencing Platform. 

The areas that were covered this year include the Gender, Peace, and Security (GPS) Agenda in the UN and ASEAN, queering security studies, gender in the humanitarian space, UN Women frameworks in gender analysis of violence and security, among others—allowing the participants to have a comprehensive overview of the gender approach to security, with a focus on theory, research, and practice (Arinto, M., 2023). 

Dr. Melanie Reyes, Executive Director of WAGI, gave the opening remarks and co-presented the session on Gender Mainstreaming and GEDSI Framework; Prof. Aurora de Dios presented  the session on Gender, Peace and Security Agenda in the United Nations and ASEAN; and Prof. Lorna Israel facilitated the workshop proper. 

The Miriam College - Women and Gender Institute (MC-WAGI), in partnership with Miriam College - Technology Business Incubator (TBI), had several sessions on December 4 and 5, 2023 at the Innovation Center, Miriam College. 

As a continuation of the Gender Smart Training for Business Incubators last April, the entrepreneurs closed their cohort by assessing their journey as incubators last December 4. Prof. Pacita Fortin led the workshop on "Reflecting on the Year: Revisiting the Gender Lens Strategies". 

On December 5, a "Training of Trainers - Gender-Responsive Incubation Program for Luzon Incubators” was conducted with sessions on Perspectives and Mindsets: The Gender Dimension of Business and Entrepreneurship with Dr. Melanie Reyes, WAGI Executive Director, and Micro and Macro Views: The Factors Affecting Gender-responsiveness of a Business with Asst. Prof. Pacita Fortin, WAGI Faculty Associate. 

Miriam College - Women and Gender Institute (MC-WAGI), in partnership with Quezon City - Gender and Development (QC-GAD) Office, conducted a Training of Trainers for QC-GAD Technical Working Group from December 11-15, 2023 at Miriam College facilitated by Mr. Vince Hermoso.  

The sessions were filled with enriching and engaging presentations by WAGI’s pool of experts. Presenters include: Ms. Cecilia Fantastico, a gender resource pool member of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), Prof. Aurora de Dios, WAGI Senior Project Director, Atty. Mylen Gonzales-Esquivel, Executive Director of Child Rights' Advocacy Center (CRAC), Dr. Tesa de Vela, WAGI Faculty Associate, Dr. Melanie Reyes, WAGI Executive Director, Asst. Prof. Stella Fong, WAGI Faculty Associate, and Mr. Vince Hermoso. 

To conclude the Training of Trainers for QC-GAD Technical Working Group (TWG), the participants simulated the sessions assigned to them. This is aimed for their creativity and readiness in the conduct of training.  

Dr. Melanie Reyes attended the CSO Consultation on the National Action Plan on Women Peace and Security (NAPWPS) on October 16-18, 2023 at Astoria, Quezon City. She also presented the session on Gender and Peace Education. 

On December 11, 2023, MC-WAGI joined the launch of the Philippine National Action Plan for Women, Peace, and Security (NAPWPS) 2023-2033. This comprehensive action plan addresses various issues of women in their diverse and intersecting identities such as in peacebuilding efforts, peace initiatives, VAW, cybersecurity, among others. 

You may access the whole document through this link: https://peace.gov.ph/national-action-plan-women-peace.../ 

The Local Government Academy (LGA) awarded MC-WAGI a 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐪𝐮𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 for being a dynamic 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 (𝐃𝐈𝐋𝐆) 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬 during "Refining International Communications Expertise: A Training on Diplomacy, Social Graces and Business Etiquette for DILG Executives" commenced on Hotel Lucky Chinatown, Binondo, Manila last December 6-8, 2023. 

Professors from the Miriam College Department of International Studies held the sessions for the training. These include: Ms. Jona Villasante, Dr. Melanie Reyes, Ms. Stella Fong, Dr. Jasmin Nario-Galace, and Miriam College president, Amb. Laura Del Rosario. The training was facilitated by Mr. Aron Garchitorena and Ms. Mirma Tica-Ortiz. 

"𝗔𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗯𝗼𝘁𝗵 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗴𝗲-𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺𝘀, 𝘄𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲." —Ms. Rose Mañalac, Project Associate, Women and Gender Institute (WAGI). 

On November 22-24, 2023, the Women’s Studies Association of the Philippines held its Annual International Conference with the theme, Feminist Strategies for Gender Equitable, Inclusive, and Sustainable Global Futures: Challenges, Responses, Possibilities at Bukidnon State University.  

Ms. Rose Mañalac was one of the plenary speakers during the session on Voices of Young Feminists. She shared the story of her feminism, and how various experiences, stories, associations, and mentorship have molded her truth. Ms. Mañalac emphasized how culture and education play a vital role in empowering young feminist leaders. 

WAGI in collaboration with the MC HEU Office for Student Affairs organized a learning session on basic gender concepts and sexual harassment on October 9, 2023. The session was actively participated by 144 fourth year college students. 

In a similar session, 277 Senior High School Students of Miriam College High School held the session on October 25, 2023. These sessions created an impact to the students in understanding not only the technical concepts in gender but guided their personal journeys and in safeguarding themselves with regards to sexual harassment. 

The Women and Gender Institute (WAGI) was invited to discuss the Module on Gender Concepts and Socialization in GEE 2.1 Gender Responsive and Entrepreneurial Mindsets for Innovative Thinking on Saturday, September 30, 2023.

The module provided an overview of the social and cultural understanding of gender and the processes by which individuals learn and internalize gender roles and expectations. It explores ways in which gender concepts vary across cultures and how they impact the experiences and opportunities of individuals across different social contexts. 

Similarly, on October 7, 2023, the Women and Gender Institute (WAGI) was invited to discuss the Basic Gender Concepts, International and National Mandates, and Understanding Violence against Women (VAW) and Sexual Harassment for an NSTP class. 

These modules served as an orientation to NSTP students, equipping them a gender lens to strengthen their perspectives and mindsets in crafting their advocacy projects. 

As part of the 25th anniversary of the Women and Gender Institute (WAGI), the Gender and Aging Forum commenced dring the GAD Learning Session 4, featuring Dr. Grace Cruz last September 19, 2023, from 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM via Zoom Conferencing Platform. Dr. Cruz delved into a comprehensive discussion on aging, factors influencing fertility decline, and her recent research endeavors concerning the aging population, among other related topics. 

We were also graced by Dr. Patricia Licuanan and Dr. Ronnie Motilla who joined us as Reactors, further emphasizing the intersectionality of gender and aging. This forum drew participation from 126 individuals nationwide, representing both governmental and non-governmental agencies. 

The MC Higher Education Unit - Office for Student Affairs (HEU-OSA) invited the Women and Gender Institute (WAGI) for a session on Gaps, Growth and Gratitude last September 12, 2023 from 1:30PM-3:00PM at the Little Theatre, Miriam College.

It tackled the significance of identifying, reflecting, and being aware of the self. It also gauged the student's development through transformative leadership and well-being. It was attended by a total of 222 second year students of the HEU. 

The Miriam College - Basic Education Unit's Humanities and Social Sciences Strand partnered with the Women and Gender Institute for the "To Love Myself" initiative. Ms. Rose Mañalac and Ms. Therese Zabala led a talk on Gender-based Violence, identifying relationship red flags, and enhancing self-confidence and self-esteem. About 210 Grade 11 students actively participated. 

Every 4 years, periodic reviews or “revalida” are attended by the State party’s government delegation, including the heads of national women’s machineries and key officials of other relevant government agencies in Geneva, Switzerland. The representatives meet with the CEDAW Committee to respond to questions and any others that members may wish to ask. 

Prof. Aurora de Dios was chosen as one of the panels during the Mock Revalida on September 28 at the Mabini Hall, Malacanang. 

Read more here: https://pcw.gov.ph/reporting-to-cedaw/ 

The Women and Gender Institute (WAGI) organized a 4-day Hyflex Training on  

Migration and Development on October 23-26, 2023 via Zoom Conference Platform and Think Room, Caritas Building, Miriam College. The training was attended by 9 participants from the academe, government and NGO sectors. 

The course examines the intersection of migration and development and how migration patterns impact the economic, social, and political development of both sending and receiving countries. Using critical and interdisciplinary perspectives, the course analyzes the processes, dynamics, and challenges of migration in the context of a post-pandemic, globalized world. A broad range of issues, such as the current and emerging trends and patterns in migration, migration issues, and challenges amidst geopolitical, technological, and environmental transformational and migration responses and solutions will be discussed. The course utilizes reflective, interactive, and case-study approaches to generate new knowledge and critical insights on understanding the complex dimensions of migration, effective migration governance, and the advancement of migrants’ rights. 

Esteemed local and international guest speakers include: Ms. Geertrui Lanneau of the International Organization of Migration; WAGI Senior Project Director Prof. Aurora de Dios; Ms. Patricia Santos of the Commission on Population and Development; Director Girlie Casimiro-Igbiten of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA); Executive Director Aileen Penas of Atikha Overseas Workers and Communities Initiatives Inc.; Ms. Vhiktoria Siva of the Center for Migration Advocacy; Dr. Mina Roces, professor at the University of New South Wales, Australia, and author of the prize-winning book, “Filipino Migration Experience: Global Agents of Change”; Women and Gender Institute Executive Director, Dr. Melanie Reyes; Center of Migrant Advocacy Executive Director, Ms. Ellene Sana; Director Romil Tuando from the Department of Migrant Workers; Dr. Jeremaiah Opiniano, Executive Director of the Institute for Migration and Development Issues; and Mr. Rogelio Reyes, Head of the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) of the Quezon City Government. 

The training ended with the participants’ graduation ceremony, full of confidence that their future endeavors will contribute significantly to the field of migration and development. 

Gender Responsive Training for WHWiSE 

WAGI in partnership with the Henry Sy, Sr. Innovation Center (HSSIC)/Technology Business Incubator (TBI), led the two-day Gender Responsive Training for WHWise: i B L E n D N I C E 4WomEn program of the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST PCIEERD).  

The first day focused on gender concepts, gender dimension of business, and transformative functions of business and entrepreneurial activities using gender lens. On the second day, a special workshop session was held for start-ups, focusing on the gender responsiveness of their respective businesses. The event took place on April 11-12, 2023, at the E-Lab, Henry Sy, Sr. Innovation Center, and was well attended by 15 representatives onsite and 2 representatives participating online. These attendees represented a diverse group, comprising seven (7) different women-led social enterprises.  

WAGI held a learning session on Sexual Harassment for HEU students 

WAGI conducted a Learning Session on Anti-Sexual Harassment in the Workplace, in partnership with the MC HEU Office for Student Affairs on April 24, 2023. The session defined Sexual Harassment (SH), its online and physical forms, laws encompassing SH, and the avenues in addressing cases of SH. 

Continuing with the same subject, NSTP 1.0 class led by Mr. Aron Garchitorena invited WAGI for a session on Cyber Sexual Harassment. The session took place on May 15, 2023 and commenced with an in-depth exploration of sexual harassment, its various forms, and recent data concerning online gender-based violence.. The session also covered essential strategies to promote awareness, foster safer spaces, and effectively address these forms of abuse. It was an informative and proactive gathering, aiming to empower individuals with knowledge and tools to combat cyber sexual harassment.   

Inimbitahan ang WAGI upang maghayag para sa ika-limang baitang mula sa BEU, Miriam College 

The Women and Gender Institute was invited by the Miriam College - Basic Education Unit (BEU)’s Department of Filipino and Social Studies to discuss Women Empowerment via Zoom Communications Platform last April 28, 2023. Over 200 Grade 5 students actively participated during the discussion on the concept on Gender, Empowerment, Consent, and Diversity.  

The students how gender is socialized in various ways such as influences from peers and media. They also learned the concept of personal boundaries, and the things outside and of their control. It wrapped with how the five senses sets as a reminder for women empowerment.  

 Knowledge Exchange Forum on Gender Sensitive and Transformative Approaches to Peacebuilding in Mindanao 

WAGI organized a Knowledge Exchange Forum (KEF) on Gender Sensitive and Transformative Approaches to Peacebuiliding  in Mindanao on May 19-20, 2023 at N’Hotel, Cagayan de Oro. This KEF is part of the Strengthening the Implementation of Regional and Local Peace and Development Agendas in Mindanao (SPADe) / MinPAD-RISE Project by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).  

The KEF was participated by 21 organizations from Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Zamboanga, Sulu, Maguindanao and Davao del Sur. During the forum, these organizations enthusiastically shared their best practices, focusing on transforming peace building efforts in Mindanao. The discussions revolved around various crucial aspects, including factors that either promoted or hindered their initatives, comprehensive assessments of the impact their projects had, as well as the sustainabilty and potential replicability of their successful initiatives among others. The KEF served as a platform for insightful knowledge exchange and fostered a collaborative atmosphere for advancing peace-building endeavors in the region.  

WAGI kicked off the 2023 Mid-Year Training Institute with the Gender-Fair Education (GFE) Program 

This year marks the 16th Gender-Fair Education Training. It was participated by education institutions from Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and Metro Manila in a hybrid setup on July 19-23, wherein 3 days was held online and 2 days in-person training days at the ESI Conference Room, Miriam College. Gender Fair Education (GFE) is a foundational course that introduces basic concepts in Gender and Development (GAD) and how it intersects with educational, development work and other teaching-learning settings. Topics include transformative leadership for gendered education, OSAEC, space spaces and inclusive school policies, psychological first aid, gender statistics, gender-fair and inclusive language, a panel discussion with CHEd, DepEd, and TESDA, and  a mentoring session, workshop and action planning. 

A mentoring session was held during the last day of the training which was followed by the issue mapping where participants ruminated over creating accountability and strengthening commitment in their institutions, allocating resources for gender initiatives, setting gender equality objectives, and monitoring and steering organisational change. Afterwards, an action planning session was conducted to narrow down the participants' concerns into two target issues that they would like to address. The action planning itemized specific steps per target and corresponding activities, indicators, division of responsibilities, resources, timeline, and contingency plans in case of failure or delay. 

The evaluation received an average of 4.87 with the participants mentioning how the Training program broadened their knowledge as GAD advocates. The training program also served as a refresher to some that will guide them craft more inclusive programs not just for women but to all genders in our city. 

The return of International Women’s Human Rights and Governance in this year’s Mid-year Training Institute! 

The Women and Gender Institute (WAGI) held the week-long hybrid training on International Women’s Human Rights and Governance (IWHRG) last July 3-7, 2023. It was participated by 34 government employees, academic professionals, and representatives from NGO/CSOs. 

The IWHRG critically examines the centrality of gender equality in international human rights instruments. It takes gender as a broad category denoting the diversity of human bodies and experiences related to identity, sexual orientation, age, class, race, and ethnicity. These comprise intersectional and structural grounds of inequality and discrimination that result in human rights violations. The course utilizes an interdisciplinary and practical approach to recognize the complex dynamics of gender equality and international human rights, and how to promote and enhance both at everyday life. 

Amongst the topics discussed were the gender norms, comparison between UDHR and CEDAW, Cases on (1) Human Rights in the ASEAN and the Philippines, (2) Sexual identity and Human Rights, (3) Migrants and Refugees and (4) Violence against Women. The film, The Whistleblower, was also shown and analyzed through the concepts learned in the training. On the last day, a roundtable discussion was held on Right Talk: Handling Legal Cases on Violence against women.  

The participants rated the overall training with a resounding 4.62. They also saw the significance of equipping themselves with knowledge as presented in the training to further put into legislation, organization causes, among others. As reiterated by one of the participants, “International Women’s Human Rights and Governance training is a very good initiative to understand more on promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment. That women's human rights must be protected. This enables us to understand that discrimination, violence, and equalities must be addressed to achieve gender equality.” 

 WAGI provided an orientation of the advocacy to students and faculty members of  MC SDTEC  

The Women and Gender Institute (WAGI) provided an advocacy orientation to the incoming teachers and students for the Miriam College Skills Development and Technical Education Center (MC SDTEC) via Zoom on July 25 with the faculty members and in-person orientation on August 2 with the students from Grade 7 to Grade 12. 

The session was led by Ms. Shenina Badua and Ms. Lesley Abuel which covered important topics on Gender Sensitivity, Basic Gender concepts, Gender Perspectives and Practices, and Gender Issues. The Safe Spaces primer of Miriam College was presented to the teachers and students to provide them with a detailed guide in creating a safe space and fostering inclusivity for students, employees, and members of the school community within the campus.  

Power and Consent Training for Greenpeace Southeast Asia 

WAGI in partnership with Greenpeace Southeast Asia (GPSEA), successfully concluded a hybrid Power and Consent training at the Henry Sy, Sr. Innovation Center last July 31, 2023. It was attended by 43 participants from Greenpeace Philippines.  

Discussions revolved around the concepts of Sex and Gender, SOGIE, and Intersectionality. The traditional gender roles and unconscious biases in the workplace were also tackled. It was delved deeper with the discourse on human rights—it’s definition and characteristics, including gender biases, stereotypes, and patriarchy. In line with this, the participants were enlightened with consent and identified the different forms of sexual harassment. Speakers include Dr. Melanie Reyes, Executive Director of WAGI; Ms. Jean Enriquez, the Executive Director of Coalition Against Trafficking in Women – Asia Pacific (CATW-AP); and Atty. Myles Gonzales-Esquivel, the Executive Director of the Child Rights Advocacy Center (CRAC). While Ms. Diah Abida, Interim GPSEA L&D Manager, gave a short overview on their Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Safety (JEDIS) and Integrity System which highlighted the roles, responsibilities, and procedures of GPSEA’s Integrity System.  

The training concluded with a small group workshop on Envisioning a Culture of Consent and Creating a Charter for a Progressive and Welcoming Space which provided the participants an opportunity to identify the significance of having a safe workig environment. Overall, the training was a significant step towards promoting gender equality, inclusivity, and consent within GPSEA. 

Second Run of the Transformative Leaderhip Work for Asian Women & Youth

Framing leadership as moving away from the ego and moving towards the eco (system), the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD), in partnership with the Southeast Asian Women’s Watch (SEAWWatch) and the Miriam College - Women and Gender Institute (MC-WAGI), co-organized the 2nd Asian Women & Youth Education for Transformative Leadership Workshop held in Taipei, Taiwan last September 7-8, 2023. 

The two-day workshop discussed key concepts on transformative-generative leadership, women’s rights advocacy and the Beijing Platform for Action, defining political spaces and the influence of culture and power, and political positioning. 

Among the resource persons for the sessions were Prof. Aurora Javate - De Dios, Dr. Patricia B. Licuanan, Prof. Lorna Q. Israel, and Dr. Mira Alexis P. Ofreneo. The workshop was moderated and facilitated by MC-WAGI Faculty Associates, Dr. Tesa Casal De Vela and Prof. Pactia “Bing” Fortin. 

Greenpeace Southeast Asia 2022 Partnership

In 2022, the Miriam College - Women and Gender Institute (MC-WAGI) conducted a series of learning sessions and events with Greenpeace Southeast Asia (GPSEA) to further establish a culture of Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Safety within GPSEA’s organization. 

Townhall on Diversity & Inclusion and Technical Working Group 

Greenpeace Southeast Asia and the Miriam College - Women and Gender Institute held a Townhall on Diversity & Inclusion last August 2022 via Zoom Communications Platform. The event was held to cascade the results of GPSEA-WAGI’s 2021 Diversity & Inclusion Survey, along with its conclusions and recommendations. The townhall resulted in the establishment of a technical working group with key stakeholders and participants to further identify needs and recommendations to address the gaps within GPSEA’s organization.  

The Townhall on Diversity & Inclusion and the technical working group were both facilitated by MC-WAGI Faculty Associates, Prof. Pacita “Bing” Fortin and Dr. Tesa Casal De Vela. 

Cultural Transformation Journey 

The Cultural Transformation Journey was held last November 2022 via Zoom Communications Platform, and was facilitated by Sir Roger Ricafort, External WAGI Associate. The event consisted of learning sessions that guided GPSEA in formulating the kind of culture that would best fit the organization’s needs in line with their objectives and principles. The participants were then engaged in learning about the processes and practices that cultures could be instilled and promoted within their organization. 

Gender-Fair and Inclusive Environment in the Workplace 

The Miriam College - Women and Gender Institute conducted a learning session on Gender-Fair and Inclusive Environment in the Workplace for Greenpeace Southeast Asia, held last November 28-29, 2022 in Jakarta, Indonesia. 

The learning sessions discussed diversity in the context of identity and social spaces, principles on building an inclusive and diverse culture, diversity and inclusion practices, and re-imagining a gender-fair, diverse, inclusive, and safe workplace. 

The sessions were facilitated by MC-WAGI Faculty Associates, Prof. Pacita “Bing” Fortin and Prof. Lorna Q. Israel. 

Unconscious Biases in the Workplace 

Lastly, the Miriam College - Women and Gender Institute wrote and produced a 3-part video series on unconscious biases in the workplace as part of GPSEA’s onboarding employee orientation. The video defined and discussed the different kinds of unconscious biases, examples of how they manifest in the workplace, and how to deal and engage with these embedded biases. The video was produced in English and translated to Bahasa Indonesia and Thai. 

WAGI gave a talk on Addressing Sexual Harassment for Jose Rizal University 

In celebration of the International Day of Peace, the Jose Rizal University (JRU) through the STEM Club invited the Women and Gender Institute and the Center for Peace Education for their event entitled, PEACE Tayo! Ka-Peace-tahan Fair on September 27 at the Jose Rizal University Conference room. 

Ms. Shenina Badua and Ms. Lesley Abuel discussed the forms of Sexual Harassment in school and shared ways how to report such act. The event was attended by approximately 100 Senior High School and faculty member 

To inspire and empower women seafarers, Miriam-College Women and Gender Institute (MC-WAGI) in partnership with the Norwegian Training Center (NTC) conducted learning sessions on Gender Mainstreaming to NTC female cadets and graduates in Davao and Cebu. The training program aims to inform participants about women’s rights, reinforce the value of women in the seafaring sector, highlight the importance of mental well-being of seafarers, and encourage greater women leadership in the maritime industry. 

The first leg of the training was held on September 3-4, 2022 at the Davao Merchant Marine Academy College of Southern Philippines, in Davao City. In the sessions, the cadets were able to identify the current problems that women seafarers experience onboard as well as provide recommendations to address these issues to recruit more women in the industry.  Ms. Vivian Abrazado, a seafarer for 30 years, provided her insights and shared her experiences as a mother and a wife to the empowered cadets. A total of 39 participants completed the training program.

Similar to the training held in Davao, the learning sessions in Cebu covered topics such as basic gender concepts, women’s rights as human rights, sexual harassment and the Safe Spaces Act, feminist counseling, psychological first aid, and gender mainstreaming in the maritime industry. The 2-day event was held on September 14-15, 2022 at the University of Cebu, in Mandaue City. The learning sessions were actively participated by 38 cadets in their sophomore year preparing to board ships this year. Capt. Maria Kristina Javellana, the first Filipina woman to command an overseas merchant vessel also shared her fruitful journey from cadet to captain with the participants.

Miriam College-Women and Gender Institute (MC-WAGI) in partnership with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Philippines Sustainable Tuna Partnership 2 (STP 2) conducted a series of Gender Sensitivity Training (GST) entitled: “Karapatan, Kasarian at Pamumuno” to its Project Staff and partner communities on September 5-7, 2022 via zoom for WWF Philippine staff; September 22-23 and October 6-7, 2022 for community partners of the WWF Philippine Sustainable Tuna Partnership 2 in Mindoro Strait and Bicol, respectively. The training for WWF staff highlighted topics on the practice of gender and its intersections with labor, fisheries, and aquaculture as well as the use of gender-fair language in speech, writing, education, and project implementation. The workshop sessions also prompted the participants to concretize action points that would lead to more gender-responsive and empowering community projects. While the training for community partners includes discussions on human rights, basic gender concepts, gender division of labor, GBV laws, and psychological first aid. A separate session was conducted for male participants on masculinity while an all-female session focused on women’s empowerment and leadership. 

Last December 1, 2022 WAGI was invited to speak with 385 Grade 11 students of Miriam College High School for a learning session via Zoom entitled You are Worthy: Identifying Red Flags in Relationships. The session aimed to establish a clear understanding on what is a healthy relationship from what is not; identify warning signs that a relationship is potentially unhealthy or abusive; and reinforce students’ ability to make decisions while providing information on which they can base their decision. The learning session led by Danica Gonzalez, Program Coordinator of WAGI, encompassed every kind of relationship and did not limit the discussion to romantic relationships.

Specifically, the discussion defined gender-based violence and its forms, red flags and concrete examples on how this may look like in a relationship, detecting red flags online, coping with red flags, what to do if they see red flags in relationships of people they cared about, the green flags or indicators of a healthy relationship, foundations in building healthy relationships, and ones (human) rights in a relationship.

United Nations Women (UN-Women) in collaboration with Miriam College-Women and Gender Institute (MC-WAGI) organized a 3-day training entitled: “Towards Promoting and Strengthening RESPECT and Justice for Women: Training and Consultation on Essential Services for Women and Girls Subject to Violence, RESPECT Women Framework, and Women’s Access to Justice in the Philippines” last December 7-9, 2022 at the ESI Conference Room, in Miriam College, Quezon City.

The acronym RESPECT stands for:

R- Relationship skills strengthened

E- Empowerment of women

S- Services ensured

P- Poverty Reduced

E- Environments made safe

C- Child and adolescent abuse prevented

T- Transformed attitude

The training was attended by 40 participants from various government agencies, CSOs, and barangay Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) desks. The topics covered in the program include Violence Against Women (VAW) Philippine situation, RESPECT Framework, Essential Services Packages (ESP), Access to Justice, and Strategies to Prevent VAW.

The event brings together multi-stakeholders working on VAW programming, as well as relevant gender equality bodies and mandates, with the goal of incorporating the framework into the overall scope of their work to end VAW. The training was supported by the UN Women Centre of Excellence for Gender Equality, which is funded by the Republic of Korea's government, and the "Enhancing Access to Justice for Women in Asia and the Pacific" Programme, which is funded by the Swedish government.

Recognizing code red for humanity amidst rising global temperatures and continuous environmental degradation that drive or trap populations, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) commissioned Miriam College-Women and Gender Institute (WAGI) to organize the Training of Trainors Workshop on Human Mobility in the Context of Climate Change (HMCCC) in the Philippines for the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM).

The 5-day training aims for POPCOM members to adopt their learnings on HMCCC to develop capacity development measures in localizing the said topic. 24 trainees representing POPCOM’s regional offices and selected Sub-committee on Internal Migration (SCIM) participated in the event at Microtel Acropolis, Quezon City from November 14-18, 2022. The training featured three (3) modules on HMCC presented by Resource Speakers, Prof. Aurora Javate de Dios (Migration/Human Mobility Specialist) and Dr. Louie Tesalona-Parungao (Climate Change Adaptation Specialist) of Miriam College.

Key highlights of the sessions include an analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities of POPCOM’s areas of work in adopting HMCCC as a gender responsive adaptation strategy and the participants’ presentation of action plans with measurable initiatives to localize HMCCC for one to six years. Part of their plans include: 1) The Central Office (CO) to improve the competencies of local government agencies in developing a ladderized capacity development intervention to staff (lobbying, policy development & advocacy, gender and migration, partnership strategies) 2) To strengthen their skills in lobbying for HMCCC on Year 1; 3) Identify and conduct intermediate level training on HMCCC including policy development & advocacy, 3) Develop partnership strategies to strengthen the skills of Regional Office (RO) staff on Year 3 and; 4) Efficiently utilize the technical skills of personnel from the ROs and CO in delivering HMCCC policy intervention (legislations, circulars, etc.) and advocacy at the national and regional level on Year 6.

The 2022 Annual National Conference was organized by the Women and Gender Studies Association of the Philippines last November 23-25, 2022 in Nature's Resort, Bacolod City. Over 350 participants nationwide attended the 3-day event which featured research presentations of young scholars. 

A Round Table Discussion (RTD) on “Conversations with Young Feminists" was organized by MC WAGI. Ms. Danica Gonzalez, Ms. Shenina Badua, and Ms. Rose Mañalac alongside Ms. Mary Ann Lascano of Miriam College High School (MC HS) served as panelists for the RTD that was moderated by WAGI’s Executive Director, Dr. Melanie Reyes.

The WAGI team also took part in different activities of the Conference. Prof. Aurora de Dios, WAGI’s Senior Project Director moderated the session on “Promoting Peace and Security” while Dr. Melanie Reyes facilitated the discussion on “Women and Political Participation”. At the same time, Prof. Aurora de Dios and Danica Gonzalez were also discussants during the closing plenary entitled “Revisiting the Past and Moving Forward” moderated by Dr. Mel Reyes.

It is with great honor to announce that WAGI was awarded by the Commission on  Human Rights, Gender Ombud Kakampi, for its outstanding contribution to promoting women’s rights and gender equality. We would like to thank all of our partners who helped us in reaching this milestone as we continue working towards a culture of non-sexist learning, gender equality, and non-discrimination. 

It is with great pride to announce that 5 of Miriam College - Women and Gender Institute - WAGI's Gender and Development Training Programs are now Philippine Commission on Women certified! Receiving the award last December 6, 2022, were Dr. Melanie Reyes, WAGI Executive Director, and Prof. Aurora Javate De Dios, WAGI Senior Program Director.

The 5 programs awarded with certifications are the following:

1. Gender Fair Education

2. Gender, Peace, and Security

3. Gender Responsive Planning and Budgeting

4. Gender, Sexuality, and Student Youth Wellbeing

5. International Women’s Human Rights and Governance

Individuals, government agencies, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and the private sector may join the training programs annually and/or request private training through wagi-ga@mc-knoller.edu.ph.