The online panel discussion conducted by DOST-PCAARRD during National Women’s Month underscores both the enduring struggles and progress in the journey towards women’s empowerment in the Philippines.
The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) through the Gender and Development and Special Projects Unit (GADSPU) of the Socio-economic Research Division (SERD) conducted an online GADiscussion, “Importance of Mainstreaming Gender in the entire R&D Process” on March 25, 2024, via Zoom.
Dr. Carolyn Sobritchea served as the speaker representing Oxfam Filipinas. Known for her specialized knowledge in conflict studies and women and gender studies, she obtained her Master of Arts in Development Studies from the International Institute of Social Studies at Erasmus University and contributed to the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) as a dedicated gender specialist.
In her speech, she emphasized the significance of integrating gender equality throughout research and development (R&D) initiatives, highlighting the persistent struggles associated with women’s empowerment in the Philippines. These challenges include attaining leadership positions, domestic violence, teenage pregnancy, and sexual harassment. Dr. Sobritchea suggested that the enduring gender issues of the past, which persist in the present, could serve as prospective research focal points for DOST-PCAARRD.
In addition, the discussion featured Ms. Jeanette Kindipan-Dulawan, the current president of the University of the Philippines (UP) Center for Women’s and Studies Foundation, Incorporated. Ms. Dulawan underscored the need for addressing gender disparity in the Philippines. Particularly, she highlighted the lack of women’s political participation and representation in leadership roles, often confined to the sidelines or serving as substitutes for the male relatives. Furthermore, Dulawan emphasized the necessity of addressing not only women’s issues but also the intersecting factors contributing to the marginalization and discrimination faced by women, girls, and other marginalized groups.
Reference: Del Rosario R. (2024, March 25). National Women’s Month: Focus on struggles, progress toward gender equality in the Philippines. Manila Bulletin. Retrieved April 8, 2024 from https://mb.com.ph/2024/3/25/2024-nat-l-women-s-month-focus-on-struggles-progress-toward-gender-equality-in-the-philippines
