The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) in cooperation with the UPOU Office of Gender Concerns (OGC) conducted a Let’s Talk it Over (LTiO) webinar titled “Women in Emerging Realities and Crucial Times” last 23 March 2022.
The virtual event was spearheaded by the Diploma in/Master of Social Work (D/MSW) and Diploma in Women and Development (DWD) programs of FMDS in observance of the 2022 World Social Work Day and the National Women’s Month celebrated in March. Ms. Jenine R. Bagos from FMDS moderated the event.
The webinar featured Ms. Kristine Joy S. Briones, Research Analyst and Independent Consultant; Ms. Rio Grace Otara, Gender & Culture Programme Officer of the United Nations Population Fund; and Dr. Finaflor Taylan, Program Chair of the Diploma in/Master of Social Work and Director of the Office of Gender Concerns, as the speakers.
Ms. Bagos shared that the webinar aimed “to discuss the importance of women participation in these trying times and also highlight their contributions to address present pressing conditions in pursuit of claiming and asserting women’s places and rights to participate in education, society, economy, and politics.”
Ms. Briones presented some data and research studies concerning women, specifically during the course of the pandemic. She shared that although we are being viewed by other countries as gender friendly, as seen in the 2021 Global Gender Gap Index, many women in the country still experience inequality, such as being expected or required to stay home and do household chores despite being educated and having the capacity to work. She revealed that such inequalities can only be seen by looking at the micro data of national surveys and research. She reminded everyone to have complete and reliable data in asserting rights and advocacies, to go out of the bubble and talk to other women, and be the role model that the younger self would look up to.
Photo shows Dr. Finaflor Taylan (left) and Ms. Rio Grace Otara (right) during the Q&A session of the LTiO webinar titled “Women in Emerging Realities and Crucial Times.”
Ms. Otara focused her discussion on young people and their adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH). She shared that her work is directed towards women and girls and young people in the Philippines with the goal to attain demographic dividend, which can be described as an increase in economic productivity. She explained that adolescent pregnancy, which is an urgent national priority, is among the serious issues that hindered the country in achieving demographic dividend. She recommended the adoption of an informed and holistic approach, which includes data and statistics evidence, in addressing ASRH issues.
Dr. Taylan highlighted the social workers’ role which is guided by human rights and social justice for empowerment, social cohesion, and societal changes. She shared that it is very hard for social workers to do nothing concerning the realities happening in the society. She hoped that everyone, not just social workers, would collaborate and be involved to improve our current and future situation. She reminded the viewers that the call continues for women, and that gender should not be the basis for one’s abilities since everyone has the capacity to contribute and affect changes.
The Q&A session followed the presentation of each speaker. Topics on abortion, gender inequality, human rights, and SOGIE Bill, among others, were tackled by the speakers.
Dr. Taylan closed the discussion by delivering her closing remarks. She reiterated the importance of statistics and research in supporting our claims and narratives. She encouraged everyone to continue their part in raising awareness as issues on misogyny, sexism, and stereotypes, among others, are still prevalent and causing problems on women.
The webinar can be viewed on UPOU Networks website, UPOU YouTube channel, and UPOU Networks Facebook page.
Sustainable Development Goals
Written by Jaime P. Guimbao
Edited by Myra C. Almodiel and Anna Canas-Llamas