The UPLB-Gender Center and the UPLB Office of Anti-Sexual Harassment (OASH) held a talk with the San Pedro City Multi-Sectoral Alliance on gender sensitivity and equality on the occasion of the Sectoral Month Celebration on August 22, 2024 at the San Pedro Astrodome.
With the theme, “Nagkakaisang mga Sektor sa Lungsod, Haharap sa Hamon para sa Tuloy-tuloy na Pagsulong,” the event empowered and filled the participants with insightful discussions on gender sensitivity, unpaid care work, and gender equality in household responsibilities.
The celebration brought together various sectors of the community, fostering collaboration and understanding among participants.
It included about 1,000 members from the Makabagong Ina at Kababaihan tungo sa Asenso (MIKA) who participated in the discussions and shared their experiences and insights on critical topics with the multisectoral attendees.
The event featured two discussions, “Understanding Gender Sensitivity and Unpaid Care Work,” led by Sairah Mae R. Saipudin of the UPLB Gender Center, and “Gender Equality in Household Responsibilities” with Renato D. Dumagco Jr. of the UPLB Office of Anti-Sexual Harassment and UPLB Men Opposed to Violence Against Women Everywhere-Kalalakihang Tapat sa Responsibilidad at Obligasyon sa Pamilya or MOVE KATROPA.
In her presentation, Saipudin explored the historical context and current relevance of gender sensitivity, and common stereotypes and biases that persist in society.
Dumagco, for his part, highlighted the challenges and triumphs faced in managing unpaid care work, emphasizing the economic and social contributions of such labor and its impact on families and communities.
The event concluded with an inspirational message from Mika Mercado, founder of MIKA, who encouraged participants to continue advocating gender equality and to recognize the value of unpaid care work in society.
The collaboration between the UPLB Gender Center, UPLB OASH, and the San Pedro City Multi-Sectoral Alliance marked a significant step toward fostering a more inclusive and equitable community and served as a foundation for ongoing dialogue and action in the pursuit of gender equality. (Sairah Mae R. Saipudin)