03 June 2021

“Our women scientists, doctors, and frontliners are the brains, heart, and soul of our nation’s pandemic response,” Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) Director Josette T. Biyo said at the inauguration of the Institute’s March-long celebration of National Women’s Month.

“Even as the nation salutes their tireless efforts, so too do we take this month to celebrate their nurturing strength. You are inspirations to us all, and we cannot thank you enough,” Biyo added. She challenged all SEI employees to continue to campaign and mainstream gender equality in all of the institute’s programs, projects, and activities.

SEI employees were also encouraged to participate in a series of activities and forums organized by the DOST-Gender and Development (GAD) and Regional Support Service and Philippine Commission on Women.

On March 8, the Institute also celebrated International Women’s Day through an online campaign that spotlighted the stories of three women in STEM who were scholars of the Institute and who are now giving back by lending their expertise to the country’s fight against COVID-19.

The Gender and Development Focal Point System (GFPS) of the SEI also spearheaded the conduct of the Gender Analysis Training for all SEI division chiefs and project leaders from March 17-19. The training centered on a discussion of different strategies to mainstream gender equality in all SEI projects and programs through different tools and best practices.

As part of the celebration, the GFPS also launched a logo-making contest to select an official logo for the DOST-SEI’s own GAD initiative.

The month was capped by a virtual get-together, where the winner of the GAD logo making contest was feted and awarded.

Deputy Director Engr. Albert Mariño closed the Women’s Month celebration with a call to continue celebrating and honoring women and all genders throughout the year. “Every month should be Women’s Month,” he said.(30)