Masculinity Appreciated at Gender Seminar

Twenty-two lay leaders from the Archdiocese of Davao joined Gender Studies for Men (GSM) conducted by the Institute of Women’s Studies of St. Scholastica’s College. The GSM seminar, held at the Lingap Pangkabataan, Catalunan Pequeño, last August 16-21, 2015, was attended by lay leaders from Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Bangkal, St. Lorenzo Ruiz Parish in Talomo, San Pablo Parish in Juna Subdivision, Ascension of the Lord Parish in GSIS, St. Mary of Perpetual Rosary Parish in Buhangin, Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish in Bajada, and Lingkod ng Panginoon covenant community.

The participants gained knowledge on gender construction, and appreciate God’s given gift of masculinity. They also learned insights on gender issues like violence against women, violence against other men, and violence against self. The seminar was also attended by invited lay delegates from Lay Forum in Polomolok and Bethany community in the Diocese of Butuan. The seminar was initiated by the Kahiusahan sa mga Layko sa Mindanao (KALAMI) and was facilitated by Guest Speaker Marites Rogado, LL.B., who is also the Training Program Coordinator of the Institute of Women’s Studies of the St. Scholastica’s College, Manila. (Vonz Hijada)