In celebration of this year’s Women’s Month, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-CALABARZON staff underwent an internal Gender and Development (GAD) webinar titled “Gender Sensitivity in the Workplace” via Zoom last March 27.
Lyn A. Fernandez, Assistant Regional Director (ARD) for Finance and Administrative Services (FAS) and GAD Focal Person of DOST-CALABARZON mentioned in her opening remarks how important it is to be familiar with Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression (SOGIE). She mentioned that discrimination based on SOGIE is not tolerated in the organization and this can be seen through its Equal Employment Opportunity Plan (EEOP).
Maria Fe B. Singson, Supervising Science Research Specialist of DOST and Member of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) National Gender and Development Resource Program (NGRP)-GAD Resource Pool served as the resource speaker for the event.
“We are implementing this [GAD] program because we are pursuing gender equality and this has been a problem that [persisted] for quite some time”, Ms. Singson stated. She reiterated the definition of SOGIE, the current disposition of women in the country, gender development and equality, and the need to realign gender roles and stereotyping in society. The lecture was then followed by an open forum.
Agnes G. Morales, Senior Science Research Specialist and Head of the Regional Services and Testing Laboratory (RSTL) ended the program by stating that Gender Sensitivity has always been one of the many priorities of DOST-CALABARZON. She highlighted how the organization’s project proposals must include a GAD Checklist which ensures equitable opportunities for men and women.
Moreover, Ms. Morales stated that GAD is also crucial for workplace relationships and dynamics – the participation of staff is necessary in order for gender sensitivity and respect to be achieved.#
