2024 GAD Webinar 1: Basic GAD Concepts and Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC)

The GAD Webinar 1 offers a module on the foundational concepts of GAD and SOGIESC that are featured in  basic GAD orientation and Gender Sensitivity Training (GST). This webinar  is designed to cultivate gender sensitivity as a fundamental quality and competency among government employees. The overarching objective of the session is to internalize a gender-sensitive perspective, fostering an understanding of how social institutions—such as the family, school, media, faith, market, and the legal system—perpetuate gender bias and compound gender issues, consequently leading to gender discrimination and inequality. The webinar aims  to raise awareness, dispel misconceptions about GAD, and underscore that gender equality and women’s empowerment are not conflicting pursuits but integral means toward achieving each other. Moreover, compared to previous webinars on basic GAD and SOGIESC, this webinar will incorporate the topic of gender-fair language to advance gender sensitivity within the workplace and community. It will be tackled under media as one of the social institutions on gender or as an agent of gender socialization. Through the discussion and analysis of advertisements and various media forms, it will highlight the significance of using gender-fair language to empower, advocate for balance representation, and avoid stereotypes.

Recognizing the evolving landscape of gender discourse, PCW has enhanced its GST and GAD orientation module by incorporating a dedicated session on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC). This addition aims to prompt participants to reassess any inherent heteronormative biases they may hold, fostering an appreciation for diverse SOGIESC, that will translate to concrete actions such as ensuring that our workplaces and institutions are safe and friendly towards persons of diverse SOGIESC.