In line with the University’s goal to ensure a clean, green, safe, and Gender and Development responsive environment, Ifugao State University (IFSU) organized an Orientation on Gender and Development (GAD) and Gender Fair Language for newly hired employees of all employment status, on March 22, 2023, on the 3rd floor of the College of Education building, Lamut campus.

With at least 40 newly hired employees across campuses, the activity is one of the strategies of the University of gender mainstreaming that informs, educates, and empowers its employees to halt gender bias and reduce gender stereotyping and discrimination in the workplace.

Ms. Sandra Irish C. Marquez, Director of Administrative Services, welcomed the employees to the orientation and wished them well for choosing the University as their workplace. She stated that participating in GAD activities contributes to integrating gender concerns in their personal and professional undertakings.

Resource speaker Dr. Janice P. Milo, Dean of the College of Criminal Justice Education, explained the Sex and Gender concepts, Sex and Gender Roles, and Gender Issues/Biases. She also re-echoed Gender Equality, Disabilities, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) and Gender mainstreaming in programs, projects, and activities.

Moreover, to eliminate gender bias in one’s mental representation, Dr. Milo stressed the importance of Gender Fair Language in the workplace where individuals choose to use gender-neutral and gender-inclusive language.

Dr. Milo emphasized that regardless of gender, individuals are able to contribute to development.