The UP Open University (UPOU) Office of Gender Concerns (OGC) launched the UPOU Pride Month on 5 June 2024 at the UPOU Headquarters. To kick off the campaign, a Pride flag was put around our University’s oblation. This symbolic gesture not only marks the beginning of our celebration but also serves as a visible reminder of our university’s unwavering commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equality for all.
Pride Month is part of UPOU’s advocacy and fight for gender equality and inclusivity through the UPOU OGC and its Gender Focal Point System. This year’s theme f, “Step UP, Speak OUt: Towards Empowerment and GEDSI Strengthening through ODeL”, embodies the spirit of collective action within the framework of UPOU’s open and distance e-learning (ODeL).
The UPOU faculty, staff, and visitors gathered at the lobby of the UPOU Main Building from 8:30 am to 12:00 noon for a fun-filled launching of the Pride Month celebration. This was done through a colorful booth set up in the UPOU headquarters which facilitated giving out information flyers with important information about the history and meaning of Pride Month, the rainbow flag, SOGIE, gender-fair language, and how to become a better ally. Advocacy souvenirs and colorful snacks were also given out as a symbol of solidarity.
As they engaged in conversation while enjoying ice cream and other treats, UPOU constituents were provided with the opportunity to express their thoughts and contributions towards creating an inclusive and safe campus environment that is both inclusive and safe through an electronic freedom wall.
In the afternoon, the UPOU Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS), together with OGC, held a hybrid webinar entitled “Towards a Sustainability Campus: A Call to Action” as part of the World Environment Day and Pride Month Celebration. The OGC set up a rainbow booth at the venue.
The OGC Director, Dr. Finaflor Taylan delivered the opening remarks at the event emphasizing the importance of promoting gender equality, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI) in building a sustainable and inclusive environment in the university and communities. Information flyers and souvenirs were distributed to all the participants of the webinar.
One of the resource speakers in the event is Ms. Katherine Vinegas, a Senior Lecturer at Diploma in Women and Development, FMDS, UP Open University. In her talk, she highlighted the invisibility of women in biodiversity and environment management discussion, the roles of women in biodiversity conservation, and the actions for gender mainstreaming in biodiversity in the Philippines.
To end the fun-filled launch, the OGC in partnership with the UPOU Wellness and Healthy Lifestyle Committee (WHLC) conducted a fellowship activity entitled “Rainbow Walk: A Mindfulness Exercise to Move (to action) and Reflect”. The UPOU faculty, staff, and visitors gathered once again as they participated in a “Walk-in-place” exercise session while raising a mini pride flag. A short discussion regarding the importance of the Pride Month Celebration was facilitated by Dr. Finaflor Taylan and a fun quiz game was spearheaded by the OGC staff, with some members of different youth organizations in nearby communities also participating in the activities.
The opening activities of UPOU’s Pride Month were important initiatives in reaffirming UPOU’s commitment to Step UP and Speak OUt to foster a more inclusive and equitable present and future for generations to come. More activities are slated for the entire month still in celebration of Pride Month.
Written by Dannah Mercado | Edited by: Finaflor Taylan | Photos by: OPA and OGC