In its commitment to fostering inclusivity and equality, the College of Engineering and Information Technology (CEIT) launched its Gender and Development (GAD) initiative under the program titled “CEIT Promoting Equality, Rights, and Social Transformation” (CEIT PERSpectives). With the theme B4: PR² – Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges towards Partnership, Resilience, and Recovery, the program aims to heighten awareness and encourage advocacy for gender concerns among CEIT faculty and students.
This innovative effort seeks to explore how gender influences roles, relationships, and personal development. Through various activities, CEIT PERSpectives promotes empathy, understanding, and transformative behavior for building harmonious interactions across genders.
Transformative Projects for Advocacy
CEIT PERSpectives includes two flagship projects that align with its vision:
HATAWS Showcase
Harnessing Artistic, Technological, and Academic Wisdom through Skills Showcase (HATAWS) provides a vibrant platform for individuals to showcase their talents and skills across artistic, technological, and academic domains. With its Filipino-inspired name symbolizing strength and determination, HATAWS fosters confidence and self-expression, breaking stereotypes and encouraging participation from all genders.
RISE for Gender Equality
Raising Insights and Sharing Expertise for Gender Equality (RISE) focuses on empowering individuals and addressing gender-based issues. By disseminating critical knowledge and fostering discussions, RISE advocates for fairness and equity, inspiring participants to stand for themselves and others in pursuit of a gender-equal society.
GAD Talks: Insights for Advocacy
As part of the CEIT PERSpectives series, two significant GAD Talks were organized to educate and inspire participants:
GAD Talk 1: Understanding Gender Laws
Atty. Johnny Wayet delivered a powerful session focusing on the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act, Anti-Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) Act, and the Magna Carta for Women. His talk provided participants with a deeper understanding of legal protections and their implications, empowering them to recognize, prevent, and address gender-based violence and discrimination.
GAD Talk 2: Gender-Fair Language
Mrs. Lailanie Banggawan led an engaging discussion on Gender-Fair Language, emphasizing the importance of inclusive and non-discriminatory communication. Her session encouraged participants to reflect on their language use, fostering an environment that respects and values all individuals.
Building a Culture of Equality
The CEIT PERSpectives program embodies a proactive step in integrating Gender and Development principles into academic and social contexts. By promoting self-awareness and shared responsibility, it inspires faculty and students to become advocates for gender equality, creating a ripple effect of positive change in their communities.
Through initiatives like HATAWS and RISE, alongside thought-provoking discussions in GAD Talks, CEIT is breaking barriers, building bridges, and championing a culture of empowerment, resilience, and recovery for all.
