Facilitated by the Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point System, the Ministry of Human Settlements and Development (MHSD), the Housing Arm of the BARMM, conducted the Training-Workshop on Gender-Responsive Service Delivery for another batch of employees from the different divisions and sections of the Ministry held at the Park Inn by Radisson Hotel in Davao City on June 25-26, 2023.

Zuhaira U. Ebrahim, GAD Focal Person, said the activity aimed to strengthen the knowledge of the participants on the essence and benefits of GAD-responsive service delivery, in improving the quality of services of the ministry and in advocating  gender equity and sensitivity in the workplace setting and in the communities.

Through the workshops and lectures, the knowledge and appreciation of the participants on gender-responsiveness were enhanced to and they all committed to put into practice what they learned. It also helped them become gender-sensitive and be able to identify proactive responses on gender issues.

Raiza A. Abas, RN, of the Office of the BARMM Chief Minister served as the resource speaker, and she led the discussions on the topics Basic GAD Concepts where participants developed skills in gender fair language, gender-sensitive client assessment and identified the difference between gender and sex.

She shared insights on gender sensitive issues via audio-video presentations to better convey and inculcate the essence of GAD, and she directed workshops that allowed participants to explore possible gender related issues that could be encountered when delivering services to clients, simulating various gender perspectives, laws and policies through roleplaying actual situations.

The program was formally opened by Esmael W. Ebrahim, Bangsamoro Director General, after the welcoming remarks from Salem C. Demuna, Director II for Operations and Management.

Noroden S. Abdullah, Provincial Director of the MHSD-Maguindanao, formally concluded the training with expression of gratitude to the organizers and the leaders.