Benguet State University (BSU), through its Gender and Development (GAD) Office, conducted a capacity-building training titled “Building Inclusive Gender-Responsive Workplaces” participated by employees of BSU Bokod and Buguias.

With the theme “Breaking Barriers, Building Inclusion: A One-Day Gender and Inclusive Learning Session,” the training covered key topics on GAD, Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI), the Social and Gender Inclusion in Education and Community (SOGIESC), and gender-fair language and inclusive communication.

GAD-Technical Working Group (TWG) member Rachel B. Kiong discussed the fundamentals of GAD, including the differences between sex and gender, gender roles, and how social institutions influence gender biases. She also emphasized the importance of integrating gender sensitivity into classroom instruction and syllabi.

Afterwards, GAD-TWG Imelda G. Parcasio, discussed the legal mandates and framework of GAD, the university’s GAD structure and programs, and the roles and responsibilities of employees in mainstreaming gender in the workplace and classroom.

She also tackled GEDSI, highlighting barriers to inclusion, and discussed the importance of gender-responsive workplaces and the use of gender-fair language, including neutral terms and avoiding sexist expressions.

Finally, GAD-TWG Neivalyn B. Labenio talked about SOGIESC and emphasized the importance of understanding and respecting individual differences. She then encouraged employees to support one another and their students in fostering an inclusive environment.

The activity ended with the sharing of experiences by the participants and how they can apply gender-responsive and inclusive practices in their respective roles at the university.

“By consistently practicing self-awareness in my words and actions, I can apply what I have learned in my daily life. I also developed greater self-love, self-respect, and compassion, which I can also extend to my colleagues.” shared by Febie Angihan of BSU Bokod.

The training reaffirmed BSU’s commitment to fostering a gender-responsive, inclusive, and respectful environment.