In the participation of the TC Officers, the GAD Trainers Group and a cohort of carefully selected management personnel embarked on a journey during the Training of Trainers session focused on Gender and Development-Based Communication for Leaders. This transformative session took place at the TC Function Hall, Tagum City, on April 20, 2024.
At the forefront of this initiative is the cooperative’s commitment to inclusivity and equity across all operational domains, with an emphasis on communication. Understanding how vital effective communication is for creating a gender-sensitive environment, the officers and management were enthusiastic about joining such an initiative.
The training commenced with a warm welcome from the esteemed Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Dir. Rosamaria S. Torrejano, followed by an insightful overview of the rationale and objectives by the Chairperson of the GAD/GE Committee, Board Member Eduard C. Amoguis.
Leading as the Resource Speaker, Ms. Salome A. Ganibe, the Senior Consultant of the Gender Equality Resource Center (GERC) Inc., and also the Executive Director of the Asian Women Cooperative Development Forum (AWCDF), with her experience and expertise, she shed light on the current status of Gender Equality both in national and international lenses. Emphasizing Gender Equality as one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals slated for achievement by 2030, Ms. Ganibe highlighted the need for concerted efforts from all sectors, including cooperatives, to accelerate progress through Gender Mainstreaming mechanisms.
One of the highlights of the training was an interactive activity designed to check the impact of cultural nuances on organizational communication. Participants engaged in discussions and deliberated on scenarios, reflecting on their own perspectives regarding gender.
During the afternoon session, Ms. Ganibe went into the core of gender-sensitive communication, outlining essential dos and don’ts to make a culture of an inclusive environment. From language usage to interview protocols, participants gained valuable insights aimed at eliminating discriminatory practices in all forms of communication.
The closing ceremonies resonated with inspiration as participants shared their key takeaways, expressing the transformative impact of the training. A closing message from board member, Dir. Nenita R. Malbas further encapsulated the cooperative’s strong dedication to gender advocacy and continuous development in service to its members and the community.
As Tagum Cooperative continues to soar high in its commitment to gender equality, this training is a step forward to its proactive approach to promoting a more inclusive and equitable society. Leslie S. Canuto