Gender Sensitivity Training

In support of the Human Resource Development Office (HRDO) to the commitment of the University to uphold Sustainable Development Goal 5 “Gender Equality” and actively contribute to the creation of an inclusive and equitable working environment, the HRDO conducted a Gender Sensitivity Training on September 28, 2023, via Zoom, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, which aimed to increase the level of awareness on gender and development and to further capacitate our employees to be more responsive on gender-specific needs and issues, particularly in the government sector. It was offered to all UPM employees.

The webinar objectives include (1) gaining a better understanding of the concept of gender, its varying perspectives, and the shared responsibilities of men and women to promote a gender-sensitive community within and outside UP Manila; (2) explaining key concepts about Gender and Development (GAD) and identify gender issues; (3) describing the meaning and impact of gender-sensitive language especially in the workplace; (4) discussing the basic framework of gender-sensitive service provision; (5) discussing sample gender-sensitive services in health care; and (6) determining best practices to adopt a gender perspective in programs, activities, and policies in the workplace.

The training started with an introduction on general concepts of gender by Mr. Jose Mateo Dela Cruz, Student Representative to the GAD Committee, CM Gender Focal Person, SHS Tarlac. This included a discussion on concepts such as sex characteristics, sex assigned at birth, intersex, gender identity, transitioning, classifications, and SOGIESC. This was followed by a presentation on the use of gender-fair language by Mr. Rod Charlie Delos Reyes, MSOT, OTRP, Research Fellow at UP Manila Center for Gender and Women Studies. Mr. Delos Reyes also talked about gender-sensitive language, gender-neutral language, gender-discriminatory language, and sexist and gender-biased language. The last resource speaker, Dr. Leilanie Apostol-Nicodemus, FPAFP, MsCM-FM, Director of UP Manila Center for Gender and Women Studies, delved into principles, core values and application of gender sensitivity in providing public service. 

The participants’ involvement all throughout the webinar was welcomed as they willingly asked their questions and shared their comments to the resource persons. The training also concluded with participants divided into breakout rooms wherein they were asked to share ongoing gender policies and programs in their respective offices.