The Foreign Service Institute’s Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point Officers took part in the Department of Foreign Affairs’ (DFA) Training of Trainers on the Customized Gender Sensitivity Training Program. The training was held last 6 February 2015 at the Philippine Women’s University.

The sessions were conducted by highly technical consultants that were well-versed not only with the issues surrounding GAD, but also in terms of organizing a training program and administering lectures. The course encompassed several GAD-related issues and exercises including leveling-off of gender concepts, facilitation and handling of participants in small group discussions, interview techniques, and a fishbowl activity focused on gender images and video processing.

The training program was based on the Final Report on the Participatory Gender Audit of the DFA, and it was tailored to equip DFA and FSI personnel with basic gender knowledge. It also focused on sensitizing DFA and FSI personnel and developing their professional and personal competencies in identifying and addressing issues involving gender that may arise in their line of work.

The training program was spearheaded by Atty. Katrina Legarda, Prof. Myrna Feliciano and Judge Amy Avellano. Ambassador Rosario G. Manalo was also present during the Training of the Trainers, and gave several training and GAD-related advice.