Manila – The Institute for Labor Studies’ Gender and Development (GAD) Committee successfully conducted its very first community-based forum titled, “Komunidad at Kamalayan para sa Karapatan ng Kababaihan,” last March 23 at Barangay 658, Multi-Purpose Hall in Intramuros, Manila.

With the goal of bringing the advocacy closer to communities that can be active partners in the promotion of decent work for all, the event is part of the GAD Committee’s activities for this year, in cooperation with the Institute’s Workers Welfare Research Division (WWRD). Executive Director Ahmma Charisma Lobrin-Satumba gave the Opening Remarks for the forum which was followed by a Message of Support from Mr. Richard Gonzales, Chairperson of Barangay 658.

Exec. Dir. Lobrin-Satumba introduced what the Institute’s work is all about and shared that discrimination against women is one of the issues that the Institute has seen in its years of research. She emphasized that one of the elements to ensure a beautiful community is respect for one another.

Ms. Gina Rose Chan from the University of the Philippines Center for Women’s and Gender Studies served as the forum speaker for the seminar which was divided in to three parts, namely: Pagtalakay sa Kasarian, Kaugalian, Ugnayan at Tungkulin ng Kababaihan at Kalalakihan sa Pamayanan; Pagbibigay Liwanag sa mga Paniniwala at Pagtingin sa Kasarian; and           Pagmumulat sa “Gender Neutral” na Lenguwahe. Workshops were delivered in between lectures for the residents, community leaders, and other participants to better understand and appreciate the concepts on sex, gender, and gender-neutral language.

Acting Deputy Executive Director Patrick Patriwirawan, Jr. delivered the closing remarks expressing his hope that the participants may be able to share their newly-learned awareness on gender equality with their families, neighbors, community while expressing gratitude for the attendance of the participants.

The Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) is the policy research and advocacy arm of the Department of Labor and Employment. For more information on this story, please contact the Advocacy and Publications Division at 527-3490.