Bacolod City – Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson called on Negrenses to aspire for the reduction of development barriers caused by sexism, may it be on personal, economic, or professional development.
Lacson, who spoke at a Gender Sensitivity Training held at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall in Bacolod City, said that the activity is proof that the provincial government is serious in extending support to enhance capacities, knowledge, and most of all, awareness, to better promote gender sensitivity.
The activity was participated in by members of the Provincial Gender and Development Focal Point System (PGFPS) and Technical Working Group (TWG).
PGFPS action officer Marie June Pavillar-Castro, who was also joined by Dr. Maria Cristina Orbecido, administrator of the Negros Occidental Language and IT Center, said that the training aims to enhance people’s capacity to understand, and to be more considerate on the varying perspectives, traits, and behaviors of opposite genders.
The group discussed “Understanding Key Gender and Development Concepts and Issues,” and had lecture and workshop on “Manifestations of Gender Bias” and “Vision of a Gender Fair Future,” followed by evaluation and planning.
“We are not pitting women against men, we are just trying to determine and eradicate deep seated assumptions based on gender prejudice and stereotypes,” Lacson stressed.
He also said that as recognized at the World Conference on Women in Beijing in 1995, “Countries will neither prosper or thrive unless they are equally supportive of women and men in their quest for a fulfilling life.” (Gilbert Bayoran via tvds, photo by tvds)