SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

The Gender Related Talks (GRITalks) is a regular virtual session since 2020, highlighting stories and initiatives of various GAD advocates and women leaders around the globe leveraging the use of social media to reach a massive audience. Its primary goal is to ensure that no women are left behind, especially in the technology-dependent world. It promotes collaboration on gender related activities through exchange of information and sharing of different initiatives and programs. A total of nineteen (19) GRITalks where livestreamed via the official facebook page of the MSU-IIT GADRC. Geared towards synergizing the local and global advocates in mainstreaming gender equality and women empowerment programs, projects and activities through leveraging technology, and research-to-policy initiatives, GRITALks is primarily aimed at providing a virtual hub/online community for researchers, practitioners and students in an enabling, engaging and empowering manner. During GRITalks’ anniversary, the University held a Zoom session that focused on bringing women into the digital economy. 

This was in partnership with Connected Women, a leading community in the Philippines that aims to empower women through entrepreneurship, freelancing and remote work. Ms. Liezl Formilleza-Dunuan, Program Manager of Connected Women, shared various opportunities and ways on how to increase the economic participation of women. 

She stressed that reskilling women is necessary to present a clear way to build advantage in challenging times. She said that training low-income women to develop 21st century skills can flip the odds and offer significant opportunities, particularly, in areas where women aren't most present such as in STEM. She added that the Connected Women are preparing the Filipino workforce for the 4th Industrial Revolution, particularly helping women to harness technology. In March 2023, the University joined the Philippine Commission for Women (PCW)-sponsored celebration of International Women’s Day, with the theme, “Breaking the Code: Equality for All through Technology and Innovation”, through GriTalks. The event highlighted women’s inclusion and representation in ICT, as well as a discussion on the online vulnerabilities and risks faced by women. Importantly, the event was able to emphasize that in the digital world, we can be equal.

The University, through WE CARE and in collaboration with the Local Government Unit, conducted an extension project titled, “Enrichment and Review Classes for Members of LGBTQ Community and Out of School Youth in Iligan City”, at the CED Amphitheater of the Institute. 

These SASE Review classes exemplify the University’s commitment to inclusivity and advocacy to alleviate Out-of-School-Youth problems. This initiative ensures that every person who passes the SASE Exam, irrespective of gender and status in life, will have the opportunity to enroll in the MSU System.

This initiative ensures that every person who passes the SASE Exam, irrespective of gender and status in life, will have the opportunity to enroll in the MSU System.

Expert lectures were given by selected Professors of the University. After the SASE Review Classes, the beneficiaries took the Mock Exam, fostering confidence in their readiness to take the SASE Exam.

Mr. Gerard Novela , a visually impaired person, talked about PWDs’ equal opportunities for employment and benefits under Republic Act No. 10524 and raised awareness on the skills training that PWDs can avail which include the free medical check-up, the distribution of rice, and hearing-impaired students showcasing their talent in dancing.