Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
Kababaihan, Tungo sa Kaunlaran: Filipino Women Overseas Workers in France
The 天美视频 regularly engages in affirmative action to encourage wider participation and equitable representation of women within and outside the University. It takes pride in being a strong advocate for giving equal opportunities and treatment to all, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
In line with the 2022 National Women鈥檚 Month banner theme, 鈥淲e Make Change Work for Women,鈥� UP created a platform where women across the world can share their experiences living and working abroad as well as their initiatives in creating a supportive environment. A webinar titled 鈥淎genda ng Kababaihan, Tungo sa Kaunlaran: Filipino Women Overseas Workers in France Women鈥檚 Forum,鈥� was held on April 07, 2022. It was organized by the 天美视频 Open University Office of Gender Concerns (OGC) in coordination with the Social Work and Women Development academic programs of the UPOU Faculty of Management and Development Studies.
The webinar鈥檚 resource speaker was Therese Mae C. Aviles-Debayle, a registered social worker, and a student of Master in Social Work in UPOU. She聽 shared information about 聽 and challenges of Filipino women overseas workers in France, where she is currently based. Among the challenges she mentioned are adjusting to a different culture, language, food, beliefs, norms, and physically adapting to the seasons and way of life.
Aviles-Debayle added that, while women receive family support and maternity benefits that regular employees are entitled to receive from the French government, it is still important to hear the side of women working abroad. Despite the entitlements that they are receiving, Filipino women working and living abroad need further assistance, particularly, maternity benefits, family support, and reliable system and policies from the government.
The forum gave the participants a picture about the lives, experiences, and journeys of women in their communities. Dr. Finaflor Taylan, UP Open University OGC director, was inspired to create social protection structures and programs for OFWs. She聽 emphasized the need for a support and advocacy group for Filipino women working and living in other countries and encouraged the participants to be part of it or to start creating one.
Recognition of the “Lived Identities” of UP鈥檚 Graduating Students
The 天美视频 takes pride in being a safe space for everyone from all walks of life, regardless of age, social or economic status, and gender orientation. No matter how big or small an event is, in UP one can freely express themselves in their most authentic way without judgment. And that includes one of the biggest milestones of every Iskolar ng Bayan: their graduation.
On July 10, 2022, the UP Cebu and UP Cebu University Student Council (UPC USC) officially announced and posted that they were 鈥渁llowing ALL graduates who will march on the 83rd Commencement Exercises to wear their preferred attire in accordance to their lived identities in terms of sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression. All graduates will not be obliged to conform to heteronormative standards and there is also no need to ask permission from the administration or prepare a letter when doing so.鈥�
鈥淎s long as the graduation guidelines for academic costumes, such as color schemes and lengths, are still observed, graduating students may dress themselves how they see fit.鈥�
Similarly, the UP Manila Student Council (UPM USC) lobbied to do the same. After dialogues with the student body and administration, UP Manila followed suit with other constituent universities in recognizing the importance of letting their graduates express themselves through gender-affirming attire during their commencement exercises.
The UP Manila memo specifically states: 鈥淪tudents will now be allowed to express themselves through clothing as reflected by their gender identity and expression; and use their lived names and preferred pronouns in the university graduation slide deck and procession as long as parental consent is documented.鈥� This is a huge win for transgender, gender non-conforming, and all other gender identities.
True to its mantra of 鈥渉onor and excellence鈥�, the University extends its support to programs that see and hear the LGBTIA+ community and opens its doors to dialogues to further end discrimination, ostracism, harassment, and violence. Various activities throughout the year are spearheaded by student councils, organizations, and UP offices, such as pride marches, gender sensitivity trainings, and other initiatives that highlight the University鈥檚 diversity and freedom of expression.
Educational Campaign on the Expanded Maternity Leave Benefits of UP Employees
In the Philippines, the month of March is widely recognized as Women鈥檚 Month. The occasion serves as a venue to highlight women鈥檚 significant contributions to the society as well as to discuss gender equality challenges and commitments.
The 天美视频 has implemented various programs and activities across its constituent units to commemorate Women鈥檚 Month. From gender-related discussions to street fairs, UP actively promotes gender equality to ensure that the rights and privileges of women are observed not just during the month of celebration but throughout the year.
One of UP鈥檚 significant activities held on March 18, 2022 via Zoom was the discussion on the Amendment to Omnibus Rules on Leave (CSC MC No. 31 series of 1998) and its alignment with Republic Act No. 11210, popularly known as the 105-day Expanded Maternity Leave Law.
Under RA 11210, women are entitled to 105 days of maternity leave with full pay and an option to extend for 30 days without pay, regardless of whether she gave birth via cesarean section or natural delivery. On top of the 105 days, solo parents are entitled to 15 more days of maternity leave. Meanwhile, women who suffered miscarriage or emergency termination of pregnancy, or who delivered stillbirth, can avail of 60 days maternity leave with full pay.
The UP Manila Human Resource Development Office conducted a one-day virtual training with the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Director of UP Field Office Hans Alcantara as the resource speaker, aimed at empowering participants by enhancing their comprehension of the law, promoting employee welfare, celebrating women鈥檚 achievements, and recognizing their invaluable contributions. The webinar was attended by 85 participants.
Director Alcantara provided the employees with a deep understanding of the legal foundations of expanded maternity leave benefits. The session covered essential topics such as the updated definitions under Rule I, which clarified the improved coverage and benefits available to expectant employees. Also, Rule XVI highlighted the differences between old and new regulations, addressing the revised frequency of maternity leave and ensuring the protection of employees鈥� rights, even after termination. The webinar also focused on fair allocation of maternity leave credits and mechanisms to resolve disputes, facilitating a seamless process for employees.
UP is committed to ensuring that their pregnant employees are fully equipped with the necessary knowledge about their benefits and entitlements. The webinar played a pivotal role in fostering a more inclusive and supportive work environment. UP employees and聽 expectant mothers should be provided with support, protection, and benefits during their maternity leave to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy and a smooth transition when they return to work.
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