In a significant step toward promoting gender equality and reducing inequalities, the Isabela State University (ISU) Ilagan recently held a Harmonized Gender and Development (GAD) Guidelines Seminar-Workshop for its faculty. The event aimed to enhance educators’ understanding of gender-responsive teaching practices while aligning institutional initiatives with global sustainability goals—specifically SDG 5: Gender Equality and SDG 10: Reduced Inequality. The workshop, attended by faculty from various departments, provided valuable insights into integrating gender-sensitive approaches in teaching and curriculum design. This initiative is part of ISU Ilagan’s broader commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable educational environment, ensuring that both women and men have equal access to opportunities, resources, and support.

Central to the seminar was the importance of promoting gender equality in education. Faculty members were trained on how to create a gender-responsive classroom, where both male and female students have equal opportunities to succeed. Discussions highlighted the need to challenge stereotypes, eliminate gender biases in teaching materials, and create safe learning spaces for all students. By incorporating the Harmonized GAD Guidelines into the curriculum, ISU Ilagan aims to ensure that its educational practices reflect a commitment to gender justice. Faculty were also equipped with strategies for fostering gender-sensitive interactions, which can empower students and encourage greater participation in traditionally male-dominated fields.

The workshop also emphasized the importance of reducing inequalities, particularly those related to gender, socio-economic status, and ethnicity. SDG 10 stresses the need for inclusive policies that address disparities within society. At ISU Ilagan, this means addressing intersectional inequalities in the classroom and ensuring all students—regardless of their background—have the support they need to thrive. Through group discussions and case studies, faculty members explored ways to identify and mitigate barriers that marginalized groups face, both within the institution and in the broader community. The seminar encouraged educators to become advocates for social change, using education as a tool to reduce societal inequalities.

Beyond the seminar, ISU Ilagan is committed to institutionalizing GAD principles throughout the university. The administration plans to establish a GAD focal point to monitor the integration of gender-sensitive policies across campus activities and continue offering capacity-building opportunities for faculty. By embedding gender equality and inclusive practices at all levels, ISU Ilagan is taking meaningful action toward achieving SDG 5 and SDG 10, ensuring that its faculty are equipped to create a more equitable and just academic environment for all students.

This seminar is just the beginning of ISU Ilagan’s ongoing efforts to mainstream gender and development initiatives. The university plans to hold regular GAD training sessions and expand its partnership with external organizations to advocate for gender-responsive policies that foster equality and reduce inequality. As ISU Ilagan takes this important step toward a more inclusive educational environment, it sets a powerful example for other academic institutions in the region, reaffirming the role of education in advancing global sustainability goals.

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[ Correspondent : ISU Ilagan GAD Office ]