Focusing on students’ leadership, mental health, and safe spaces university aligned with the observance of the 18-Day Campaign to End VAWC, with the 2024 sub-theme, “VAW Bigyang Wakas, Ngayon na ang Oras!”, the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture – Gender and Development Center (CBSUA GAD), in collaboration with Sorsogon State University – Office of the Gender and Development (SorSU-GAD), successfully led a panel discussion highlighting GAD practices and strategies on Ending Violence Against Women (Ending VAW) on December 3, 2024, at the Antonio Hall, SorSU Dormtel, Sorsogon City Campus.
Led by Dr. Glenn E. Redecilla (Director, CBSUA GAD Center) and Ms. Glady Joy M. Mella (SorSU-GAD Coordinator, Sorsogon City Campus), the panel discussion featured active involvement from both University GAD coordinators & personnel, SorSU Supreme Student Council – Sorsogon City Campus (SSC-SCC) officers headed by SSC-SCC President Shaquille O’Neal Jeresano, and CBSUA GAD Core Group “Dawani” student organization headed by Convener John Rey Estiva.
The discussion emphasized exchanging information and insights regarding respective GAD programs and initiatives aimed at addressing VAW, including Gender-Based Sexual Harassment (GBSH) policies, mechanisms of eradicating VAW within the university, promoting inclusivity and representation of marginalized groups in GAD initiatives, and sustainable efforts to combat VAW, among others.
Further, Dr. Redecilla (CBSUA GAD Director) also shared the best practices and notable undertakings of the CBSUA GAD Center, such as GAD policies, GAD Center awards, College GAD Corners, Approved RGADRC 2021-2026 Agenda, GAD research & extension programs, GAD resources/materials, and collaborations with SUCs/NGOs.
In addition, the activity also served as an avenue to discuss potential areas for collaborations and partnerships on gender and development between SorSU and CBSUA.
The successful panel discussion was part of the CBSUA GAD team’s collaborative visit and caravan on Ending VAW. In relevance, the caravan is intended to enhance GAD regional collaboration on advocating safe spaces within universities, strengthen collaborations on mental health programs, address VAW and GBSH, promote regional collaborations for gender-responsive student leadership, and establish partnerships for 2025 regional GAD activities.
SorSU is steadfastly committed to championing and fostering diversity, equality, and inclusivity in all aspects of the university community and beyond, as consistently demonstrated through a range of initiatives designed to establish a safe, equitable, and empowering environment for all community members, regardless of gender, age, background, class, or ability. (SorSU)
