MSU-Gensan Center for Women's Studies

24/02/2025

𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐌𝐒𝐔-𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐚𝐧 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦 𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Mindanao State University-General Santos spearheaded the Peace Forum: From Resolution to Reality – Women, Peace, and Security, held on February 18, 2025, at the AVR, University Library Building. The event brought together experts and leaders to discuss the impact of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 and the role of women in peacebuilding efforts.

In her welcome address, MSU-Gensan Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Dr. Mishell D. Lawas, emphasized the need for continued dialogue and action in implementing policies that support women’s representation in peace negotiations. “Women continue to be underrepresented in these crucial areas. While conflict disproportionately affects them—leading to violence, displacement, and economic hardship—forums like this are critical in bridging the gap between commitment and real action,” she stated.

Bai Norhata Macatbar-Alonto, MA, President of the Philippine Muslim Women Council (PMWC), discussed the intersectionality of women, peace, and security, highlighting the resilience of women in conflict-affected communities. “A woman is the spine of her family and the backbone of her community. No matter how powerful a man becomes, he will always go home to a woman,” she remarked.

Another key speaker, Dr. Bai Anisah M. Laguindab, M.D., Executive Vice President of PMWC, tackled the pressing issue of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in conflict areas. She emphasized the importance of proactive measures to prevent violence and protect survivors. “Prevention is paramount. To stop gender-based violence, we must address its root causes—inequality, discrimination, and lack of access to resources. Promoting gender equality and strengthening legal protections are essential steps toward building resilient and peaceful societies," she said.

The forum also featured Dr. Adrian M. Tamayo, OIC of the Policy Formulation Division of MinDA, who discussed the necessity of peace, security, and development in today’s socio-political climate.

Meanwhile, MSU-Gensan Chancellor Atty. Shidik T. Abantas provided valuable insights into the role of law in peace education, underscoring the university’s dedication to fostering academic discussions on security policies. Introducing his mother alongside the PMWC as examples of strong and accomplished women, he emphasized the far-reaching impact of women in shaping families, communities, and the nation.

An open forum followed, where students and participants from various sectors engaged with the speakers, sharing perspectives and concerns on women’s roles in peace and security.

Closing the event, Esmaida Andang-Alaiden, Director of the Institute for Peace and Development in Mindanao (IPDM), reiterated the importance of sustaining conversations on gender, security, and policy implementation.

12/02/2025

𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 | 𝐌𝐒𝐔-𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐚𝐧 𝐆𝐀𝐃𝐅𝐏𝐒 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐆𝐀𝐃 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐮𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠

The Mindanao State University-General Santos Gender and Development Focal Point System (GADFPS) held its GAD Plan and Budget Meeting on February 11, 2025, led by Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance, Prof. Shiela J. Loable, MSc.

The meeting served as a platform to assess ongoing GAD programs, align future initiatives with institutional and national gender policies, and strengthen gender mainstreaming efforts. Members engaged in dynamic discussions to enhance the impact and sustainability of GAD initiatives.

MSU-Gensan reaffirms its commitment to inclusive development and gender equality and appreciates the active participation of GADFPS members in this important endeavor.

Stay updated on MSU-Gensan’s upcoming GAD initiatives!

04/02/2025

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24/01/2025

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊|𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐥𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐆𝐀𝐃 𝐅𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦

Today marks a significant milestone for MSU-Gensan as we held the 1st Quarterly Meeting of the newly reconstituted GAD Focal Point System (GADFPS)!
We warmly welcomed our new members and provided them with an insightful orientation on their functions as part of the GADFPS family. At the same time, we extended our heartfelt gratitude to the members who have renewed their commitment to serve the university and its community through the GADFPS. Your dedication and passion is truly inspiring!

The meeting also paved the way for a fruitful discussion on the planning of the 2025 National Women's Month Celebration. Together, we brainstormed creative ideas and practical strategies to ensure that this year’s celebration will empower and uplift women, fostering inclusivity and equality in our community.

We are excited and optimistic about the successful implementation of our programs and activities this 2025. Thank you to everyone who participated in making this meeting productive and meaningful. Together, let’s continue to work towards a gender-responsive, inclusive, and progressive MSU-Gensan!

17/01/2025

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊|𝐆𝐀𝐃 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐆𝐀𝐃 𝐅𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐬

Gender and Development (GAD) under Center for Women’s Studies (CWS) proudly welcomes Ma’am Ruhama L. Gomez, LPT, as the newly appointed Director of the Center for Women’s Studies and Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Person. With her passion for advocacy and commitment to gender equality, we are excited to see her lead and inspire positive change.

In her new role, Ma’am Ruhama will spearhead initiatives aimed at addressing gender issues, enhancing awareness, and strengthening the organization’s commitment to women’s empowerment and inclusivity.

Congratulations and good luck! We look forward to your leadership and exciting journey ahead for the Center.

05/12/2024

BREAKING BARRIERS, BUILDING INCLUSION WITH GEDSI

On November 27, 2024, the MSU-GENSAN GADFPS members participated in the GEDSI Day celebration in honor of World Disability Day, at Brokenshire College SOCSKSARGEN, Inc.
Under the theme, "Breaking Down Barriers, Challenging Stereotypes, and Creating a World Where Individuals with Disabilities Can Fully Participate and Thrive," this celebration emphasized the role of Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) in creating safe, accessible, and empowering spaces for everyone and explored practical ways to promote inclusivity.
With transformative discussions on Dealing Students with Special Needs in the Classroom by Ms. Jacquiline G. Lumain, MAED and The Truth of Aging by Dr. Flora P. Maglunsod, the meaningful gathering inspired participants to challenge stereotypes and advocate for a society where disabilities, gender, and age are never barriers to thriving.
Let’s continue building an inclusive world and ensure a future where everyone, regardless of ability or background can reach their full potential.

05/12/2024

MSU-Gensan GADFPS: Advancing Safe and Supportive Communities

The MSU-General Santos Gender and Development Focal Point System (GADFPS) members took an active role in the GBV Service Providers and Risk Zones Mapping Workshop on November 18-19, 2024, at Summit Hotel, General Santos City.
Organized by the World Bank, this workshop aimed to strengthen local efforts to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV) by understanding GBV risk factors and hotspots, mapping critical services and identifying high-risk areas in the education, health, and tourism sectors and developing action plans to strengthen response networks.
Facilitated by Dr. Melan E. Reyes, GBV Specialist, alongside Ms. Hope Gerochi and Ms. Marivi Ladia, the event provided actionable strategies to empower communities and promote safety.
This initiative reflects MSU-Gensan’s dedication to building inclusive spaces where everyone can live free from violence and fear. Through collaboration and informed action, we strive to create a society where barriers are broken, and safety is a shared priority.

25/11/2024

END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN!

The Mindanao State University-General Santos City joins the 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) from November 25- December 12, 2024, with the theme, "VAW Bigyang Wakas, Ngayon na ang Oras".
Join the campaign! Let us work together to end violence, harassment, and all forms of discrimination against women and girls as we continue to be United for a VAW-free Philippines!

To know more about the campaign visit: bit.ly/vawfreeph2024

25/09/2024

28/11/2023

The Mindanao State University-General Santos City joins the call to end Violence Against Women (VAW). This 18-day End VAW campaign is aligned with the Philippine Government's commitment to protect and uphold the human rights of women and girls by addressing all forms of gender-based violence.

Join the campaign! Let us work together to end violence, harassment, and all forms of discrimination against women and girls as we continue to be United for a VAW-free Philippines!

To join us in this campaign, change your display picture with our official VAW-free frame that can be accessed through https://twb.nz/msugscvawfreeframe.