Gender and Development

Dr. Sherly C. Manalo

GAD Coordinator

The Gender and Development (GAD) Office is a support and advocacy unit that upholds Westmead International School’s commitment to gender equality, inclusivity, and empowerment. It ensures a safe, respectful, and supportive environment where all members of the academic community—students, faculty, staff, and stakeholders—enjoy equal rights and opportunities regardless of gender.

Purpose

The purpose of the Gender and Development (GAD) initiatives at Westmead International School is to promote gender equality, inclusivity, and empowerment within the school community. We recognize the importance of creating a safe, respectful, and supportive environment where all individuals, regardless of their gender, have equal opportunities and rights. By embracing GAD principles, we aim to foster a learning institution that values diversity, challenges gender stereotypes, and advocates for the rights of all students, faculty, staff, and stakeholders.

Scope

The Gender and Development (GAD) Office at Westmead International School operates within the following scope:

Westmead International School Community:

The GAD initiatives are focused on the students, faculty, staff, and parents within the Westmead International School community. The office aims to create an inclusive and supportive environment for all members of the school community, irrespective of their gender identity or expression.

• Gender Equality and Inclusion: The GAD Office works towards promoting gender equality and fostering an inclusive culture within the school. It addresses issues related to gender-based discrimination, stereotypes, and biases, striving to ensure that all individuals have equal access to opportunities, resources, and support.
• Education and Curriculum: The GAD initiatives encompass integrating gender perspectives and principles into the school’s curriculum and educational practices. The office collaborates with educators to develop gender-responsive teaching methodologies, materials, and activities that challenge traditional gender roles and promote a more inclusive learning experience.
• Prevention and Response to Gender-Based Violence: The GAD Office is actively involved in the prevention and response to gender-based violence within the school community. It creates awareness about different forms of gender-based violence, establishes reporting mechanisms, and provides support services to ensure the safety and well-being of all students and staff.
• Capacity Building and Training: The GAD Office conducts capacity-building programs, workshops, and training sessions for students, faculty, staff, and parents. These initiatives aim to enhance knowledge and understanding of gender-related issues, promote inclusivity, and develop skills to challenge gender stereotypes and biases.
• Collaboration and Partnerships: The GAD Office collaborates with external organizations, NGOs, and community groups to strengthen and expand the impact of its initiatives. It seeks partnerships to share resources, exchange best practices, and participate in joint efforts to promote gender equality and inclusion beyond the school’s boundaries.
• Policy Development and Implementation: The GAD Office plays a crucial role in developing, implementing, and monitoring policies and guidelines that promote gender equality and inclusivity within Westmead International School. It ensures that the school’s policies are aligned with relevant legal provisions, regulations, and best practices in gender and development.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: The GAD Office conducts regular monitoring and evaluation of its initiatives to assess their effectiveness and impact. It collects data, measures progress, and identifies areas for improvement, thus ensuring the continuous enhancement of GAD programs and activities within the school.

Goals and Objectives

Our Goals

• Promote Gender Equality: Our primary goal is to actively promote gender equality within Westmead International School. We strive to eliminate discrimination, biases, and stereotypes based on gender, and ensure equal access to education, resources, and opportunities for all individuals.
• Empowerment and Inclusion: We aim to empower students, faculty, and staff to express themselves freely and pursue their goals and aspirations without limitations or prejudices. We seek to create an inclusive environment that celebrates and respects the diverse identities, experiences, and perspectives of all members of our school community.
• Prevention of Gender-Based Violence: We are committed to fostering a safe and secure environment by raising awareness about gender-based violence and promoting preventive measures. We aim to equip students and staff with the knowledge and skills to recognize, prevent, and respond to any form of gender-based violence within the school and beyond.
• Gender-Responsive Education: We strive to integrate gender perspectives and principles into the curriculum, teaching methodologies, and learning materials at Westmead International School. By adopting a gender-responsive approach to education, we aim to provide an inclusive and equitable learning experience that addresses the unique needs and challenges faced by students of all genders.

Our Objectives:

• Develop and implement policies and guidelines: We will establish clear policies and guidelines that promote gender equality, non-discrimination, and inclusivity within the school. These policies will guide our actions and decisions to ensure a supportive and respectful environment for all.
• Raise awareness and provide training: We will conduct awareness campaigns, workshops, and training sessions for students, faculty, staff, and parents to enhance their understanding of gender issues, promote gender equality, and build their capacity to challenge stereotypes and biases.
• Integrate gender perspectives in the curriculum: We will work towards integrating gender perspectives and content into the curriculum across various subjects and grade This integration will help students develop a deeper understanding of gender issues and encourage critical thinking and dialogue.
• Foster a safe and supportive environment: We will establish mechanisms and support systems to address and prevent gender-based violence within the school. We will provide resources, counseling, and reporting channels to ensure the well-being and safety of all individuals in the school community.
• Collaborate with stakeholders: We will actively collaborate with parents, alumni, community organizations, and relevant stakeholders to promote gender equality and inclusion. By engaging in partnerships and sharing best practices, we can create a more inclusive and supportive educational environment.

Through our GAD initiatives, Westmead International School is committed to nurturing a school community that values and upholds gender equality, inclusivity, and empowerment. We aim to inspire individuals to challenge societal norms, advocate for their rights, and contribute to building a more equitable and just society.