UNP Sustainability
Development Goals
SDG 5 - GENDER EQUALITY
The University of Northern Philippines is committed to advancing Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5), which seeks to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. A key indicator of progress toward this goal is the proportion of first-generation female students, who often face unique challenges in their educational journey. UNP is dedicated to promoting gender equality in education, fully aligning with the objectives of SDG 5.
Representation of First-Generation Female Students
The number of first-generation female students enrolled in a degree program was determined based on the definition of immediate family, which includes parents, siblings, and grandparents.
In the school year 2023 – 2024, first-generation female students make up 41% of the University’s undergraduate first-generation student population. Initiatives led by the Center for Gender and Development demonstrate the University’s commitment to supporting diverse student populations, including first-generation women pursuing higher education.
Representation of Senior Female Academics
The importance of senior female academics in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality) is evident. In UNP, there has been progress in increasing women’s representation in academic leadership positions. The University strives to give equal opportunities for all genders in leadership roles.
The number of senior academic staff includes personnel holding academic ranks from Assistant Professor to Professor, as well as research staff such as non-teaching “fellows” and postdoctoral researchers.
Representation of Women Receiving Degrees
At the University, the promotion of gender equality aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 5. In 2023, UNP awarded a total of 4,227 degrees and certificates, with 2,984 undergraduate degrees and 212 graduate degrees conferred. UNP’s initiatives, such as being certified as a National Training Center for Gender Sensitivity Training, highlight its commitment to gender equality. These efforts contribute to empowering women in academia and beyond, promoting an environment where gender equality is prioritized, and achieved.
Promotion of Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment
The University of Northern Philippines (UNP) demonstrates a strong commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality) through various policies, and initiatives.
Promotion of Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment
The University of Northern Philippines (UNPaUNP’s Center for Gender and Development (CGAD) plays a crucial role in promoting gender equality, and non-discrimination. The University has been certified by the Philippine Commission on Women as a National Training Center for Gender Sensitivity Training, indicating its adherence to high standards in gender-related education. ) demonstrates a strong commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality) through various policies, and initiatives.
Conduct of Gender Sensitivity Trainings
University of Northern Philippines (UNP) has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to promoting gender equality and inclusivity. A key component of this commitment is the implementation of comprehensive Gender Sensitivity Training (GST) programs for its faculty, staff, and students
- UNP Empowers New Faculty with Gender Sensitivity Training
The University of Northern Philippines (UNP) took a significant step towards promoting gender equality and development by organizing a Gender Sensitivity Training for newly hired teaching personnel from higher education institutions (HEIs) in the region.
The two-day training, held at the UNP Guestel Function Hall on October 25-26, 2023, was a collaborative effort between the University Center for Gender and Development (CGAD) and the Ilocos Sur Community College (ISCC).
The training aimed to equip the new faculty members with the necessary knowledge and skills to integrate gender perspectives into their teaching and research activities.
Women’s Mentoring Scheme
UNP demonstrates a strong commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 5 through various initiatives, particularly during the 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW). In December 2022, UNP organized a forum on the Safe Spaces Act (R.A. 11313) and Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act (R.A. 9262). This event, led by UNP’s Center for Gender and Development (CGAD), aimed to advocate for safe spaces, and harassment-free environments. The University also encouraged staff, and students to wear orange shirts for three weeks, and organized a flash mob to raise awareness. These activities reflect UNP’s dedication to educating its community about women’s rights, and promoting gender equality.
- Women’s Month Celebration
The University of Northern Philippines (UNP), a pioneer in mainstreaming gender and development, once again demonstrated its dedication to equality and inclusivity by actively participating in National Women’s Month this March. The month-long celebration kicked off with a vibrant Zumba session held right after the Flag-Raising Ceremony on March 6, 2023.
- 18- day campaign toe End Violence Against Women and Children
In a steadfast commitment to ending violence against women, the University of Northern Philippines (UNP) observed the 18-Day Campaign to End VAW. Through a series of activities, UNP aimed to raise awareness, empower survivors, and promote a culture of respect and equality.The University of Northern Philippines (UNP) launched the “Vow to End VAW Orange Art Exhibit” on November 29, 2023. This initiative, a collaboration between the Center for Gender and Development, the College of Fine Arts and Design, the College of Architecture, and the Public Administration Students’ Organization, aimed to raise awareness about violence against women and children. The exhibit featured artistic representations of VAW, serving as a powerful visual reminder of the issue and inspiring action.
The 18-day campaign to end violence against women concluded with a hopeful move to sustain efforts to ensure gender equality for all. The Center for Gender and Development, together with the College of Public Administration and the Public Administration Students’ Organization conducted a students’ forum titled “Anti-VAWC Act of 2004 and the Safe Spaces Act: karbengan ken Kalintegan Dagiti Babbai” on December 7, 2023 at the UNP Auditorium. In addition, the culminating activity featured video advocacy campaigns on “Alam Mo VAW,” as well as the awarding of certificates to academic contest winners. Two faculty members of the College of Law, namely: Atty. Jemima Salvado and Atty. Katrynn Louise Eder, served as speakers. The affair served as a platform for supporting and stengthening the UNP community’s awareness on the need to eliminate all forms of violence against women and all forms of gender-based violence. It also allowed students to engage in open discussions and share perspectives on anti-VAW laws and measures to help end VAW.
Gender and Culture Symposium
The College of Public Administration, in collaboration with the Center for Gender and Development, organized a Gender and Culture Symposium on July 20, 2023. The symposium, themed “Cultural Essence of the Ilocano Value System of Women,” aimed to delve into the cultural significance of Ilocano women. Faculty and staff from Linao National High School attended the event, which featured discussions on culture-based governance, gender, and the Ilocano value system.
