On July 11, 2024, from 3:00 to 4:30 PM, Panel Session 6 with a theme of Gender Equality, Diversity, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) for Sustainable Development was held at the Session Hall Auditorium of Caraga State University, Butuan City, and online through the conference platform. This session is part of the 2nd International Forum on Sustainability Science, a three-day forum from July 10-12, 2024 where researchers and speakers discuss issues about sustainable development. The conference was co-organized by the UPOU – Office of Gender Concerns and the Asian Association of Women’s Studies (AAWS), an organization that serves as a forum to promote and discuss feminist education and research in Asia. The Panel Session was chaired and co-moderated by the UP Open University’s Office of Gender Concerns Director, UP Open University’s FMDS Diploma in and Master of Social Work Program Chair, and Asian Association of Women’s Studies (AAWS) President, Dr. Finaflor F. Taylan, and co-moderated by one of AAWS Council Members, Dr. Aileen Park. 

The first panel presenter is the session chair herself, Dr. Finaflor F. Taylan. She presented her journal article entitled Integrative Well-being Model: Towards Working for Sustainability in Social Work and Social Development, which discusses the problems and different hindrances children encounter when it comes to their health in one community in the Philippines. The study showed an integrative well-being model developed from the work she did in that community that hopes to address the multisectoral, multi-aspect, and multilevel obstacles in pursuit of well being, with emphasis on the interrelationship of health, livelihood, and environment. The paper emphasized the importance of facilitating interprofessional collaboration and ensuring that processes and efforts are people/community-driven and participatory and should address multifaceted issues. 

Following Dr. Taylan is Dr. Maria Lourdes T. Jarabe, program chair of the UP Open University’s FMDS – Diploma in Women and Development, Program Development Associate of the Office of Gender Concerns, and Secretary General of the Asian Association of Women’s Studies. Their study entitled Breaking the Glass Ceiling?: Narrative Analysis of the Challenges and Successes of Women Leaders in the Philippine Technology Startup Ecosystem (PTSE) explores the experiences and challenges of women in leadership positions within this male-dominated industry. Through their narratives, the research uncovers firsthand insights into their diverse backgrounds, with only one having a tech background. The narratives underscore the significance of nurturing and community-driven values in their upbringing. Many of these women utilized strategies like self-study, mentorship, and experiential learning to enhance their skills and knowledge in the tech industry. Despite facing obstacles related to work-life balance, technical growth pursuits, employee relationships, networking, and sustainability, these women managed challenges through multitasking, time management, priority setting, and establishing support systems. They view their roles as catalysts for providing opportunities, promoting inclusivity, and inspiring more women to take on leadership roles in tech startups. Emphasizing their unique strengths in listening, problem-solving, creativity, and multitasking, these women leaders are actively shaping the landscape of the PTSE and paving the way for greater gender diversity and inclusion in the industry.

Princess Jane Ruedas, a PhD Student from the Philippine Normal University, presented her research next. She discussed her study entitled Gender Language Sensitivity in a Comprehensive University, which discusses the importance of using gender-fair language in education in recognizing and promoting gender diversity in official correspondences. Her study is aimed at training professionals to utilize gender-fair language within their working environments, creating a more gender-inclusive workplace.

The fourth speaker is Prof. Dr. Noraida Endut, the AAWS Vice President who also works in the Center of Research on Women and Gender (KANITA), Universiti Sains Malaysia. Her study entitled Leaving No Women and Girls Behind: Will Malaysia Make It to Gender Equality by 2030? discusses the performance of Malaysia when it comes to gender development, particularly the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Dr. Noraida underscored the various mechanisms and systems that should be in place to help Malaysia achieve the SDGs, particularly those that relate to gender equality which other countries can learn from.

The last speaker is Rio Grace Otara, Global Programmes Manager at the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS). Her presentation entitled Global Citizenship and Empowerment Program for Women and Girls Towards Sustainable Development discusses the WAGGGS as an organization and a movement and how it promotes the development and empowerment of girls and young women all over the world. According to Ms. Otara, volunteers worldwide strive to aid in the development of the physical and mental well-being of young women and girls. She emphasized the importance of providing platforms and opportunities for girls and young women to develop themselves and contribute to their communities and to the world. 

The last part of the panel was an open forum for the speakers to address questions. Dr. Taylan was asked what was the most serious problem that affected the integrated well-being model she created. In her reply, Dr. Taylan explained that the community was able to link childhood illnesses to different aspects of life and community, such as livelihood, environment, and sanitation, and reiterated that “childhood illnesses can be handled at home if the parents or caregivers are provided with proper knowledge with proper access to healthcare services.” Dr. Noraida was also asked about the policies or aspects of Malaysia that make its gender sensitivity and language beautiful. She said that although gender equality is a concept not many are familiar with, it is surprising when different institutions, such as the government, are knowledgeable about gender equality. She noted the absence of consistency when it comes to having gender-fair language and equality statements in their policies, and this should urge governments for better policies and advocacies to be created to promote this further.

At the end of the session, the speakers were provided with the certificates. The session emphasized that topics such as GEDSI, which are integral to the sustainability challenges of modern-day society, should be discussed and debated more often. The importance of conferences such as the IFSS allows for critical thoughts and discourse to be shared to address such challenges and open opportunities to collaborate in hopes of achieving a more sustainable society for all.

Written By Samuel Benjamin Zach R. Basiao III Edited by Dr. Finaflor F. Taylan, RSW