UP leads creation of ASEAN uni network on gender justice and inclusivity

By Celeste Ann Castillo Llaneta on August 1, 2024

The ASEAN University Network (AUN) recently approved a proposal by UP to create a new thematic network, named "AUN Network on Gender Justice and Inclusion" (AUN-GJI). This new network, with UP as the lead university, is intended to promote understanding, awareness, research, and action on gender-related issues to drive positive change within academic institutions and society.

Dr. Marie Aubrey Villaceran, Director of the UP Center for Women and Gender Studies, presented UP's proposal on the AUN-GJI at the 15th AUN Network Rectors' Meeting on July 18 in Bangkok, Thailand. According to Villaceran, the proposed network was the brainchild of Dr. Ma. Theresa Payongayong, UP AVP for Academic Affairs (Curriculum and Instruction). It was approved by the AUN Board of Trustees (BOT) at the 39th AUN-BOT Meeting the next day, which was attended by UP President Angelo Jimenez and Br. Bernard S. Oca, FSC., President of De La Salle University.

*The 15th ASEAN University Network Rectors' meeting last 18 July. Photo by Dr. Marie Aubrey Villaceran on LinkedIn*

AUN thematic networks

The AUN website describes thematic networks "as specialized areas of academic cooperation that are deemed significant enough for a new secretariat to be established to tackle it." Each thematic network is granted autonomy to pursue its own area of higher education in ASEAN, and to access a platform of collaboration between the AUN Secretariat, member universities, and other AUN thematic networks. The AUN is currently comprised of 17 thematic networks, each established through AUN-BOT Meetings. With its approval, the AUN Network on Gender Justice and Inclusion is the first thematic network to be led by UP, a core member, since the establishment of the first network in 1998.

"A thematic network on Gender Justice and Inclusion supports the broader movement towards gender equality and the protection of human rights in the country and the region," said Payongayong in an email interview with the UP Media and Public Relations Office. "Promoting gender justice and inclusion helps challenge and dismantle systemic inequalities and discrimination that affect women and marginalized groups. This can lead to more effective legal protections and support systems for gender justice, helping to create a more inclusive society."

*A photo of the 39th AUN board of trustees (AUN-BOT) meeting, where the new AUN initiatives and development were reviewed and decided upon. Photo from aunsec.org*

Gender justice and inclusion

This new thematic network was conceptualized in 2023 with the realization that in many Asian countries, gender disparities remain significant as seen in issues like gender-based violence, limited access to education and healthcare, and economic inequality, explained Payongayong. As stated in the approved proposal, given UP's expertise in gender studies and research, as well as its advocacy accomplishments through the years, "the AUN-GJI thematic network recognizes that gender rights are integral to the overarching pursuit of human rights, and collaborative efforts between advocates in these fields contribute to the advancement of more inclusive, just, and equitable universities and educational institutions."

The proposal defines "gender justice" as "the goal of achieving fairness, equality, and equity for all individuals, regardless of their gender identity or expression, within social, economic, and political contexts and other intersecting identities." "Inclusion," on the other hand, involves "creating environments where all individuals feel valued, respected, and welcomed, irrespective of their backgrounds, identities, or experiences." For universities in the ASEAN region, gender justice and inclusion are ongoing processes that require continuous efforts from individuals, communities, institutions, and governments.

Moreover, the issue of gender inequalities cuts across several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 4 on Quality Education, SDG 5 on Gender Equality, and SDG 10 on Reduced Inequalities. "Gender justice and inclusion are also crucial for sustainable development. Empowering women and marginalized groups can lead to improved economic outcomes, higher educational attainment, and better health and social welfare," Payongayong said.

"Indeed, AUN is taking more concrete and deliberate steps in aligning itself with Sustainable Development Goals," Villaceran wrote in her LinkedIn post.

Dr. Villaceran presenting the proposal before AUN thought leaders at the 15th AUN rectors' meeting in Bangkok, Thailand. The event provided a platform for dialogue on university roles in the sustainable development goals. Photo from aunsec.org

UP as lead university

According to the proposal, the AUN-GJI's mission is "to foster a diverse, inclusive, and equitable academic environment that empowers individuals of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions to thrive in academia." It aims to create an academic network that promotes understanding, awareness, research, and action on gender-related issues, driving positive change within academic institutions and society.

Membership to the network will be open to all AUN member universities and academic institutions, with representatives from various disciplines, genders, and backgrounds encouraged to join. The network will, among others: develop and implement a strategic plan for the network's objectives, priorities and action plan; formulate policies and guidelines that promote gender equality and inclusivity within member institutions; establish guidelines and mechanisms to monitor the network's progress; and, develop strategies to ensure the network's sustainability. In the long term, the AUN GJI aims: to advance gender justice and inclusivity in ASEAN universities through mutual learning, cooperation, and the exchange of best practices; to empower women, gender minorities, and all individuals in academia to thrive and contribute to society; to undertake joint research and initiatives to address gender disparities in educational settings and beyond; to advocate for gender-responsive and gender-transformative policies and practices in ASEAN higher education institutions; and, to foster a supportive and inclusive environment in ASEAN that respects diverse gender identities and expressions.

UP, which has been identified as one of the top 5 AUN member universities in research aligned with the UN SDGs, is the lead university and secretariat of the AUN-GJI. Specifically, the University will: serve as the hub of contact for all network members and stakeholders; coordinate meetings, conferences and other network events; disseminate relevant information, updates, and resources; and, monitor the progress of network projects, among others.

In addition, UP can also provide resources that can support the network's initiatives. "UP can provide platforms, and offer grants and funding opportunities for the network to share its work, thereby increasing its visibility and impact," said Payongayong.

In turn, being the AUN-GJI's lead university can help UP develop and implement more comprehensive gender equity policies, as well as help promote a more inclusive campus culture, according to Payongayong. "The AUN member universities can be UP's partners in research projects and programs that explore gender issues and contribute to academic scholarship. By forming partnerships, AUN member universities can integrate the network's insights into their operational practices, ensuring that gender justice becomes a core aspect of university policies."