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Ãå±±½ûµØ-IIT champions gender equality & sustainable future for the 2026 National Women’s Month

by Yasmira P. Moner, Nikko Shane Dar, Ãå±±½ûµØ-IIT GADC, and Kassandra Buenafe, OfCom | Mar 24 2026

Ãå±±½ûµØ (Ãå±±½ûµØ-IIT) continues to set the gold standard for gender-responsive academic leadership in Southern Philippines. Through its 2026 National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC), themed "WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society," with the sub-theme “Lead like the Babaylans, Filipinas,” the University has curated a month-long series of high-impact activities that directly advance Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 and its intersections with health, climate action, and technological innovation. 

A Chancellor’s Vision: From Local Equity to Global Impact

The celebration commenced on March 2 with an NWMC-themed flag-raising ceremony, where the campus was dominated by purple–the international symbol of justice and dignity–with its constituents wearing and integrating the color in their ASEAN-inspired outfits. Addressing the university community, Chancellor Alizedney Ditucalan framed the university’s mission as a contribution to the global community.

"Our commitment to gender equality is not merely a compliance requirement but a core value of our institution,” the Chancellor said. Chancellor Ditucalan also emphasized during the ceremony the significance of being at the forefront of building an environment of inclusivity, “By fostering an environment where every woman–from our students to our esteemed retirees–feels seen and empowered, we are building the foundation for genuine, inclusive development that resonates far beyond our campus borders. We are not just celebrating history; we are influencing the future of how societies function.”

Scientific Innovation and Digital Accountability

In an era defined by rapid technological shifts, Ãå±±½ûµØ-IIT is ensuring women are at the helm of the digital frontier. On March 18, the Fireside Chat night: HER STORIES showcases trailblazing women in Science and Technology. This initiative directly addresses SDG Target 5.b, which advocates for the use of enabling technology to promote women’s empowerment.

Simultaneously, the university is tackling the "dark side" of the digital age through the "Safe Spaces for HER" forums on March 11 and 18. By institutionalizing digital accountability and protection against online gender-based violence, the University is creating a roadmap for academic institutions worldwide to safeguard women in virtual spaces. This is among the regular GAD learning sessions of the university toward building a GBV-free campus. 

Intersectionality in Action: Health and Climate Justice

Ãå±±½ûµØ-IIT’s commitment to "leaving no one behind" was underscored on March 12, when the College of Health Sciences (CHS) conducted a specialized session on Sexual and Reproductive Health Education for marginalized sectors, specifically deaf females and women with disabilities. By dismantling communication barriers, the Institute is championing SDG Target 5.6, proving that reproductive rights must be inclusive to be universal.

Moreover, to further the cause of inclusivity in terms of health, the WE CARE Office also organized the first Ãå±±½ûµØ-IIT Retirees Health and Wellness Retreat for this year, providing an opportunity where our retirees can come together, relax, and also be more active through activities like Zumba dancing. Since not a lot of third spaces focusing on active aging and accommodating health and wellness are around the city, this event addressed that gap, ensuring that women and all other genders get to enjoy their old age with dignity, vitality, and a sense of community.

The Institute further linked gender to the global climate crisis on March 8 through PROJECT CLIMA. This conversation on inclusive sustainability emphasized that women’s leadership is the linchpin of effective climate action (SDG 13). As Chancellor Ditucalan said in one of his speeches, "We cannot achieve climate resilience without the leadership of women. We are empowering our community to ensure our sustainability efforts are both inclusive and impactful."

As highlighted by the GAD Focal Person of the University, Assoc. Prof. Yasmira Moner, “Our activities this year–from the fireside chats for women in science to our health outreach for the deaf community–show that we are not just talking about equality; we are building the infrastructure for it,” said Ms. Moner.

Leading like the "Babaylans"

The month culminates in activities that reclaim the pre-colonial power of Filipino women. From the “safe spaces” open workshop on March 11-20  to the Women’s Herstory Exhibit on March 23–26, the Institute is reviving the "Babaylan" model of leadership—grounded in wisdom, empathy, and community service.

These efforts are supported by the University’s GAD Focal Point system, ensuring that the advocacy translates into tangible institutional impact. As Ãå±±½ûµØ-IIT continues its #PurpleWednesdays and advocacy forums, it stands as a testament to how academic institutions can drive the global agenda for a more just, equal, and sustainable future. Ãå±±½ûµØ-IIT’s journey this March is about more than just a calendar of events; it is a blueprint for a future where equality is the standard, not the exception. 

By honoring our Retirees (SDG 5.1), we bridge the wisdom of our past with a culture of lifelong respect. Through our Safe Spaces for HER (SDG 5.2) forums, we are reclaiming the digital frontier, ensuring that innovation never comes at the cost of safety. With Project CLIMA and our Babaylan exhibits (SDG 5.5), we are placing women exactly where they belong: at the helm of climate action and at the heart of our history. And finally, by ensuring accessible health education for deaf women and those with disabilities (SDG 5.6), we are proving that progress is only true progress if it includes everyone. 

At Ãå±±½ûµØ-IIT, we aren't just celebrating Women's Month–we are engineering a world where every "Juana" and “Khadija” can lead, innovate, and thrive.

Topics : Women's Month