Southern Luzon State University (SLSU) served as the co-host for the Women’s and Gender Studies Association of the Philippines (WSAP) Annual International Conference 2024, inaugurated on November 13 at the SLSU University Gymnasium in Lucban, Quezon. This year’s conference centers on the theme, “Beijing Platform for Action (BPfA)+ 30 and Beyond: Looking Back and Moving Forward,” reflecting on global progress toward gender equality since the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing in 1995. Previous Next Dr. Excelsa C. Tongson, WSAP President, opened the ceremony, expressing gratitude to SLSU officials and event organizers who were instrumental in bringing WSAP to Lucban, Quezon. She highlighted the conference’s goal of more than adopting the BPfA but rather achieving gender equality and social inclusion—a shared mission, she noted, that transcends across generations, sectors, and borders. “I was only 25 years old when the Beijing Platform for Action was conducted. This document is even older than my two daughters, who, I believe, directly benefited from its powerful vision of advancing women’s rights and gender equality worldwide. However, we need to remind ourselves that many women and girls in the Middle East and North Africa, and even in the Philippines and Southeast Asia continue to experience poverty, various forms of violence and abuse, exploitation and discrimination,” Dr. Tongson added in her message. Previous Next SLSU President Dr. Frederick T. Villa followed with a message of solidarity, underscoring SLSU’s commitment to supporting gender advocacies. “In Southern Luzon State University, we are also taking initiatives to contribute to the BPfA through our GAD Office in terms of gender equality and gender rights [initiatives and policies]. This is why we, at SLSU, are very happy that WSAP chose us to be this year’s venue,” Dr. Villa said. Dr. Patricia B. Licuanan, a global council leader and a main committee person who drafted the BPfA delivered a keynote address. Her keynote highlighted the significance of the BPfA and its critical areas for women’s rights and empowerment, which reflected on both its achievements and unmet promises over the past 30 years. Previous Next “The UN Fourth World Conference on Women was not just an event in September 1995. It was an extended process of hard and determined work. It was a long winding highway with blocks and checkpoints but also with sweeping and awesome vistas,” noted Dr. Licuanan. This year, WSAP received 185 abstract submissions from across the Philippines and internationally, including from Uganda, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The submissions consist of 101 paper presentations, 94 presentations in parallel sessions, and 7 additional presentations in Plenary 1 and Plenary 2. The event is expected to welcome around 200 participants and is set to run for three days, from November 13-15, in SLSU Main Campus. Article by: Glen O. Cuya Photos by: Aljon Orivida, Amiel Jansen Demetrial, Jillian Bautista, and Jay Mel Nicomedez Layout by: SLSU Information and Communications Office
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