Assumption College of Davao

Motivated by increasing public concern about issues on equality and womanhood, the Assumption College of Davao has included gender sensitivity in its advocacies.

The school began to integrate gender sensitivity in the school’s policies and programs in the mid 90s. It started off with a gender sensitivity training for all its employees and staff. This was done in order to raise consciousness about women and their current situation (the disadvantaged status of women in society), and to find ways to overcome gender discrimination. The school conducted various sessions, fora and small discussions on women issues and spearheaded activities that resulted in greater awareness of the roots of the problem.

To bring gender sensitivity to the level of the studentry, the school integrated it in its curriculum. For example, whenever possible it “contextualized” the lesson to the realities of the women sector. It also used gender-sensitive (or non-sexist) language, and tailored the school’s policies, practices and school activities in conformity with the goal of empowering women. The advocacy is embraced by the school with the end in view of improving the situation of the woman as man’s partner and co-equal.

Additionally, the school’s Guidance Office provides Gender Sensitivity sessions for students. Among the real-life subjects discussed in such sessions are violence against women (VAW) and Sexual Harassment.

As much as it can, the school also participates in mass mobilizations as its way of supporting legitimate and non-violent women’s struggles.

As an offshoot of its desire to help empower women, the institution has extended a livelihood program for women in our partner communities. This is carried out through the school’s Community Extension Office in partnership with the School Community Association (SCA). Through this initiative, the school was able to distribute hogs for livestock raising, trained women on alternative medicine and health practices (ventosa, acupressure/massage, herbal medicine preparation, etc.), and provided women the opportunity to sell their food products in the school canteen to enable them to augment their families’ income.