Integration of gender dimension in research and development (R&D) ensures that scientific and innovative outputs create beneficial and positive impacts on women and men stakeholders. In pursuit of gender-responsive R&D, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) continues to enhance gender mainstreaming by conducting a training-workshop with the members of the Council’s Gender and Development-Technical Working Group (GAD TWG) in La Trinidad, Benguet, on February 19–23, 2024.
The training, “Planning-Workshop cum Training on Enhancement of Gender and Development Integration for DOST-PCAARRD GAD TWG Members,” aimed to enhance the knowledge of GAD TWG members on gender-responsive practices in the Council. The planning-workshop seeks to develop actionable steps to improve gender integration in the R&D process and to increase the TWG members’ awareness and practical skills in using gender integration strategies, fostering knowledge-sharing and collaboration among participants.
Dr. Blesshe L. Querijero, a GAD expert and member of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) National GAD Resource Pool, served as the Resource Person in the five-day planning-workshop. She facilitated the identification of entry points for gender integration and formulation of TWG’s actions and solutions to enhance gender integration in each of DOST-PCAARRD’s Banner Programs. TWG members have actively engaged in the discussions by sharing their experiences having direct connections and communication with Industry Strategic S&T Program (ISP) managers and implementers.
The planning-workshop comprised two phases. The initial phase introduced gender mainstreaming strategies, involving discussions on addressing each GAD core element by revising specific sections of the project proposals directly managed by TWG members.
The second phase of the workshop was TWG members’ opportunity to apply and practice these strategies firsthand to enhance their project proposals.
Through this activity, the Council acknowledges the roles of TWG members as key advocates who hold focal positions for GAD integration to ensure GAD in DOST-PCAARRD-funded programs and projects. TWG members were equipped with an increased appreciation of GAD concepts, tools, and skills in GAD integration to the design, management, and implementation of DOST-PCAARRD-funded programs and projects.
This planning-workshop is one of the capacity-building initiatives of the DOST-PCAARRD-funded and -implemented project, “Enhancement of Gender and Development Integration Towards a More Inclusive R&D in AANR.” The project is implemented under the Gender and Development and Special Projects Unit (GADSPU) of Socio-Economics Research Division (SERD) of DOST-PCAARRD.
The GAD TWG members engage in discussions on effectively mainstreaming gender in DOST-PCAARRD’s R&D systems. (Image credit: Jo-Jee T. Ocampo, SERD, DOST-PCAARRD)
Members of DOST-PCAARRD’s GAD TWG participate in the training-workshop focused on developing action steps to enhance gender integration in the Council’s R&D process. (Image credit: Jo-Jee T. Ocampo, SERD, DOST-PCAARRD)
Dr. Blesshe L. Querijero provides technical guidance to GAD TWG members in conducting gender-responsive practices in the Council. (Image credit: Jo-Jee T. Ocampo, SERD, DOST-PCAARRD)