Education as a Tool for Gender Equality Among Filipino Youth
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is advancing gender equality among Filipino youth by using education as a powerful foundation. Together with the Philippine Anti-Discrimination Alliance of Youth Leaders (PANTAY), the CHR recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) aimed at informing students about the value of gender equality. This initiative includes distributing inclusive learning materials like the Rainbow Report Card and the Rainbow School Kit.
These tools serve distinct purposes. The Rainbow Report Card acts as a gender equality assessment for schools, helping them review how well their policies, programs, and practices support inclusivity and gender sensitivity. Meanwhile, the Rainbow School Kit offers practical guidance, outlining concrete steps schools can take to align with the report card’s indicators.
A Partnership to Uphold Rights and Dignity
“This partnership with PANTAY is aligned with the CHR’s mandate to uphold the rights and dignity of all, especially the youth and members of the LGBTQI community,” said CHR Chairperson Richard Palpal-latoc. He added, “Through this initiative, we aim to help foster learning spaces where every student feels safe, respected, and empowered.”
The CHR’s proactive approach is further highlighted by Center for Gender Equality and Women’s Human Rights Officer-in-Charge, lawyer Twyla Rubin. She explained that the commission does not merely support inclusive education—they see themselves as champions for gender equality. Rubin emphasized the CHR’s role as the Gender and Development Ombud and their unwavering commitment to collaborate with schools toward making all Philippine educational institutions inclusive.
Life-Saving Programs and Future Collaborations
PANTAY Executive Director Rye Manuzon expressed hope for more partnerships that bolster essential programs like Project GEIS (Gender Equality Index for Schools). Manuzon remarked, “Project GEIS and other initiatives towards gender equality are life-saving programs not just for queer people but every Filipino. We hope that partnering with institutions like CHR can open up more opportunities for more national government agencies and local and national government officials alike to be allies for a more inclusive, just, equitable, and equal Philippine society for all.”
This collaboration signals a strong commitment to advancing gender equality through education, ensuring that Filipino youth grow up in environments that respect and celebrate diversity. It also highlights the crucial role of government agencies and organizations in driving social change and protecting human rights.
For more news and updates on gender equality among Filipino youth, visit Filipinokami.com.