ISU for Sustainability

Embracing SDGs towards Quality Education and Academic Experience in the Countryside

2023 – Reports | SDG 5 – Gender Equality

Isabela State University (ISU) has embarked on an inspiring journey to champion SDG 5: Gender Equality, aiming to eliminate discrimination, empower women, and create equal opportunities for everyone. Through focused initiatives, meaningful partnerships, and careful data analysis, ISU has made significant progress in promoting gender-responsive practices across its campuses and in the wider community. This report brings together insights from ISU’s 2023 Gender and Development (GAD) report, recent gender mainstreaming efforts, and a data-driven look at gender-related achievements to provide a comprehensive view of the university’s strides toward SDG 5.

Key Programs and Accomplishments

Gender Mainstreaming and Capacity Building
  • Training Initiatives – Recognizing the importance of awareness, ISU has put a strong emphasis on enhancing gender sensitivity within its community. Through comprehensive Gender Sensitivity Training (GST) sessions, faculty, staff, and even external stakeholders have been educated on gender biases, inclusivity, and how to adopt responsive practices. These sessions have fostered a culture of respect and understanding, bridging the gap between theory and real-life application of gender principles.
  • Use of Gender Analysis Tools – ISU didn’t stop at training. They’ve implemented advanced workshops on tools like the Harmonized Gender and Development Guidelines (HGDG) and the Project Implementation Monitoring, Management, and Evaluation (PIMME) checklists. These tools have been crucial in ensuring that the university’s policies and programs are crafted with a gender perspective in mind. This approach reinforces the importance of data-driven decisions in creating an inclusive environment.

Data Collection and Analysis on Gender Representation
  • Building a Gender-Disaggregated Data System – ISU has invested in developing a robust system (SACARIAS) to collect sex disaggregated data.

Enrollment Insights
  • Female Student Enrollment: In 2023, a total of 6,298 women started their degree programs at ISU. This strong female representation showcases the university’s success in narrowing the gender gap in higher education.
  • First-Generation Female Students: Out of these female students, 1,870 are first-generation college students. This means a significant number of women at ISU come from families with no prior history of higher education. ISU’s outreach and support for these women align perfectly with SDG 5’s goals of equitable access and empowerment.

Supporting Inclusivity and Accessibility
  • First-Generation Student Support – Overall, ISU enrolled 3,216 first-generation students, many of whom are women. This commitment to supporting students from non-academic backgrounds highlights ISU’s role in promoting economic mobility and academic success for underserved communities, reinforcing the mandate for inclusive education under SDG 5.
  • Inclusive Policies for LGBTQIA+ and Marginalized Groups – ISU has taken concrete steps to support LGBTQIA+ students, introducing policies and hosting sessions to ensure they feel safe and included. By fostering an environment where students of all gender identities can thrive, ISU is actively working toward eliminating discrimination, a key objective of SDG 5.

Partnerships and Community Engagement
  • National and International Collaboration – ISU has expanded its gender mainstreaming efforts through partnerships with local agencies and international organizations. Programs like the Gender-Based Value Chain Analysis for cooperatives have empowered local women both economically and socially. These collaborations extend the impact of SDG 5 beyond the university, positively affecting local communities.
  • Community Outreach – Through initiatives like GST for Local Government Units (LGUs) and partner organizations, ISU is spreading awareness and understanding of gender equality across the region. By influencing local governments and institutions, the university is embedding gender-responsive practices into the broader development agenda.

Data Analysis and Trend Insights

The data from ISU’s SDG 5 report reveals several encouraging trends:

  • High Female Representation – The enrollment of 6,298 women in 2023 is a testament to ISU’s effective strategies in promoting female access to higher education. This not only boosts gender parity but also provides more women with opportunities to excel academically.
  • Support for First-Generation Students – With 3,216 first-generation students enrolled, many of whom are women, ISU demonstrates its dedication to providing educational opportunities to those from non-academic backgrounds. This effort levels the playing field for economically and socially marginalized groups.
  • Commitment to LGBTQIA+ Inclusivity – ISU’s inclusive policies reflect a growing culture of diversity and acceptance on campus. By creating a safe environment for all students, the university contributes positively to the goal of eliminating discrimination.

Financial Commitment and Institutional Support

In 2023, ISU allocated approximately ₱20.5 million to support gender initiatives. This significant financial commitment underscores the university’s understanding that meaningful progress in gender equality requires sustained investment. The funding has enabled:

  • Training Sessions – Providing education and awareness programs for students, faculty, and external partners.
  • Improved Facilities – Enhancing campus safety and accessibility to support a more inclusive environment.
  • Essential Partnerships – Building relationships that are crucial for advancing gender equality goals.

This financial support reflects ISU’s dedication not just within the university but also in serving the broader community.

Overall Trends and Insights

ISU is actively shaping an environment that supports gender equality and empowers women. Key observations include:

  • Strong Female Enrollment – The increasing number of women pursuing higher education at ISU indicates effective strategies in place to promote gender parity.
  • Empowering Marginalized Groups – Support for first-generation and LGBTQIA+ students demonstrate ISU’s commitment to inclusivity at all levels.
  • Community Impact – By extending its gender equality initiatives beyond campus, ISU is fostering a regional culture that values and practices gender-responsive approaches.

Stronger Commitment towards SDG 5

Isabela State University’s achievements in advancing SDG 5 position it as a leader in promoting gender equality within higher education in the Philippines and the ASEAN region. Through a combination of gender-responsive education, inclusive policies, and strategic partnerships, ISU has built a strong foundation for continued progress.

The data highlights a clear trend of increasing female and first-generation student representation, while initiatives supporting marginalized groups showcase the university’s comprehensive commitment to inclusivity.

Moving forward, ISU’s ongoing dedication to:

  • Data Collection – Continuously improving the way it gathers and uses gender-related data to inform decisions.
  • Capacity Building – Providing training and resources to further enhance understanding and implementation of gender-responsive practices.
  • Partnerships – Expanding collaborations to amplify the impact of its gender equality initiatives.

These efforts will be essential in addressing any remaining gender disparities. By maintaining this momentum, ISU is not only making significant strides toward achieving SDG 5 but also setting a powerful example for other educational institutions aiming to foster equitable and inclusive academic environments.