GAD Seminar: Men Supporting Women in Leadership and Spotting Abuse

The Gender and Development (GAD) seminar titled “Men Supporting Women in Leadership and Spotting Abuse” was held on March 2, 2026, with 57 participants in attendance. The program officially started at 9:00 AM with a prayer led by Ms. Zol-Marie Dimayuga, Faculty Member, followed by the opening remarks delivered by Sir Paulino Buenconsejo, EZF Executive Director. The resource speaker, Ms. Grace Ann Joy B. Lira, Head of MSWDO LGU Calatagan, was then introduced.

As an introduction, Ms. Lira engaged the participants in an activity. She asked them to write on metacards a word they associated with “Lalaki” (man) and “Babae” (woman), which were then posted on the board. Afterward, the proper discussion began. The speaker highlighted various Republic Acts relevant to Gender and Development, including the 1987 Philippine Constitution, RA No. 7192, RA No. 9710 (Magna Carta of Women), RA No. 7877 (Anti-Sexual Harassment Act), RA No. 11861 (Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act), and RA No. 11313 (Safe Spaces Act).

The speaker also discussed the differences between sex and gender, the importance of gender sensitivity, gender discrimination, different types of abuse, child-rearing, and language that reflects a culture of sensitivity. She also presented a short film entitled “The Impossible Dream” and encouraged participants to share their thoughts on how it related to the topic. After the discussion, Ms. Lira returned to the introductory activity, allowing participants to reflect on their answers. Most realized that the characteristics they had associated with men and women were interchangeable, emphasizing that the only true difference lies in reproductive organs.