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Gender Sensitivity Training in Manila

A Gender Sensitivity Training was conducted by Dr. Zenaida Quezada-Reyes and her students of Women Studies in three communities of Metro Manila and nearby cities last October, 2002. The participants were women leaders, housewives and youth leaders. Four modules were developed by the students with the supervision of Dr. Reyes. The modules included topics like the difference between sex and gender, gender socialization in the Philippines of gender, historical context of gender and the situation of women in the Philippines with emphasis on gender violence. The training program was highlighted by the module on action planning so that the participants can do something else to help their community leaders empower other women in the community.

The facilitators were the students of Dr. Reyes and they are in their fourth year in the Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education Degree at the Philippine Normal University. This is a model of training the students teach at the same time do advocacy work for women in the communities.

Upcoming event at the Philippine Normal University is the Forum on "Youth Speak Out: Sexism on Campus." This will be held on December 12, 2002. The students will speak out about their experiences on sexual harassment on campus. The forum will be an initial step to speed up the establishment of the university implementing guidelines on Anti Sexual Harassment Law. This forum is being organizes by Dr. Zenaida Quezada-Reyes and Dr. Noemi Medina.

Contact: Zenaida Quezada-Reyes