After extensive preparation on delivering customized Gender Sensitivity Training (GST) for the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) Gender and Development (GAD) Technical Working Group members, together with DFA GAD Focal Point Officers, rolled out the pilot Gender Sensitivity Training for DFA Personnel at St. Giles Hotel, Makati City, on 5- 6 March 2015.

Supervised by expert training consultants from the Philippine Judicial Academy, Atty. Katrina Legarda, Prof. Myrna Feliciano, and Judge Amy Avellano, the newly commissioned GST facilitators were broken in to lead the implementation of the two-day program.

The GST facilitators, coming from various offices in the Department, learned to collaborate and work as a team in organizing the pilot GST. Techniques and skills learned on facilitating sessions, managing small group discussions, and conducting interview workshops were put to the test for the first time.

Participants listen intently to the lecture on illegal recruitment.
Mr. RJ Parcon of the FSI GAD TWG facilitates a small group discussion.

The customized program covers gender vs. sex concepts, gender and the family, legal frameworks governing sexual harassment cases, “sextortion,” gender dimension in trafficking in persons, handling domestic and family-related cases, gender and cultural differences, conducting interviews, and stress management. Special emphasis was given on analyzing risk factors and remedies in relation to sexual harassment cases.

Mr. Kim Lineses guides the participants in analyzing sexual harassment cases.

The customized GST is designed to be comprehensive, interactive, and holistic in approach. The course blueprint was patterned on the findings of the Participatory Gender Audit of the DFA and is meant to address gaps in basic gender knowledge and handling of gender-related issues within the Department and to foster a gender-responsive workforce.

Assistant Secretary Noel S. Servigon, who heads the Office of Personnel and Administrative Services, opened the program on March 5. Undersecretary Linglingay F. Lacanlale, DFA GAD Focal Point System Chairperson, closed the seminar proper with words of gratitude to the participants as well as the new training facilitators.

FSI GAD TWG Members with the PHILJA Trainers, Asst. Sec. Noel Servigon (seated, far left) and Undersecretary Linglingay F. Lacanlale (seated, center).
Participants of the pilot GST join the Training Team for a photo.
Mission Accomplished!
Mission Accomplished!

*photos from PISU to follow