Juana takes the Lead

A symposium and forum on the recovery of women during the pandemic happened last March 24, Thursday via Zoom where more than 200 participants joined. This is initiative of the University of Southeastern Philippines’ College of Arts and Sciences in collaboration with the Gender and Development Office and Extension Division which was hosted by Dr. Monique Musni Tagaytay.

With the theme JUANA TAKES THE LEAD, the symposium began on the effects of the pandemic lockdowns on women and how they thrived despite and in spite of difficulties. The first capsule talk was given by Dr. Maria Theresa Bad-ang, President of the Society of Nephrology Mindanao Chapter. She focused on what seemed an infodemic during the 2-year crisis which caused anxiety among Filipinos especially women. An example she has mentioned was that of a pill which got viral because it was perceived to cure COVID and people have been panic buying which caused a ruckus and left the Lupus patients with little to nothing to avail. She then presented the roles of women during this infodemic.

Second to give the capsule talk was Ms. Daryl Alegarbes, private sector representative for labor of the Regional Development Council Region XI who spoke about the issues of unemployment or underemployment of women during the pandemic. She zoomed in on unpaid work which most women especially mothers do when they take care of the family and their needs. As she gave suggestions and tips on how to provide support to women, she came up with a mnemonic device using the word BETTER.

Later in the afternoon, there was a workshop through breakout rooms, which asked the participants to create their own meaning of the mnemonic BETTER. Participants are to use the mnemonic in different sections of the society, namely: the home, school, workplace and community. Answers were then reported per group and there were different points of view coming in. To some, they provided answers from the point of view of the surrounding individuals and some inward through introspection.

Most of the participants were students from the University but despite their young age they have come up with meaningful mnemonics on how to support women including themselves.