08/04/2026
PAF TOG 12 Personnel Strengthen Gender Awareness Through Gender Sensitivity Training
In a continuing effort to promote gender awareness and foster a more inclusive and respectful workplace, personnel of the Philippine Air Force Tactical Operations Group 12 (PAF TOG 12) participated in a Gender Sensitivity Training (GST) facilitated by Raisah C. Cayoga, Senior Program Manager of KGI and GAD Adviser. The activity provided an important platform for reflection, learning, and dialogue on gender roles, gender equality, and the realities faced by both women and men in everyday life.
The training opened with an interactive introduction where participants shared not only their names and units, but also the many roles they play beyond being Air Force personnel. Many introduced themselves as mothers, fathers, husbands, wives, daughters, sons, providers, protectors, and mentors. This simple but meaningful activity immediately highlighted that every individual carries multiple identities and responsibilities, and that these roles are often influenced by social expectations around gender.
As the session progressed, participants were guided through discussions on the meaning of development, emphasizing that development is not limited to infrastructure or material progress, but also includes the ability of people to study, work, participate, rest, decide, and live in safety and dignity. This framing helped connect gender sensitivity to broader human development, showing that both women and men have equal rights to opportunities, participation, and growth.
One of the key highlights of the training was the discussion on the distinction between s*x and gender. Through a quiz-type activity, participants analyzed statements and determined whether they referred to biological differences or socially constructed roles. This exercise clarified that s*x is biological, while gender is shaped by culture, tradition, and socialization. It also reinforced the idea that many expectations imposed on women and men are learned rather than natural.
The session became even more engaging when participants were asked to describe the expected traits of uniformed men and uniformed women. Men were commonly described as strong, providers, protectors, and heads of the family, while women were described as nurturing, understanding, gentle, tidy, and caring. These responses opened a deeper conversation on how gender stereotypes operate, even in uniformed institutions, and how such expectations can influence confidence, behavior, and opportunity. The discussion underscored that while these roles are often normalized, they can also limit both women and men by forcing them into narrow definitions of who they should be.
Another important activity focused on mapping the daily routines of women and men. Through group sharing, participants reflected on how women often balance office work with domestic responsibilities such as preparing meals, caring for children, and managing household tasks. Men’s routines were also discussed, but the contrast brought attention to the concept of multiple burden, particularly among women who carry productive, reproductive, and caregiving roles all at once. This exercise helped participants appreciate the often invisible and undervalued labor that happens in homes and communities.
The training also addressed the manifestations of gender inequality, including marginalization, subordination, gender bias, and violence against women. These discussions encouraged participants to look beyond individual attitudes and recognize how institutions, traditions, and everyday practices can reinforce unequal treatment. By situating these issues within both workplace and family life, the session made gender sensitivity more concrete and relevant to the lived experiences of the participants.
Throughout the activity, the atmosphere remained participatory and reflective. Personnel actively joined the discussions, responded to quiz questions, and shared observations from their own homes, communities, and workplaces. This openness contributed to a richer exchange of ideas and demonstrated the willingness of TOG 12 personnel to engage in conversations that strengthen professionalism, respect, and inclusivity within the organization.
The Gender Sensitivity Training served as more than just a learning session. It became a space for recognizing that gender sensitivity is not solely about women’s concerns, but about building fairness, shared responsibility, and mutual respect for everyone. For PAF TOG 12, the activity marked a meaningful step toward nurturing a workplace culture that values equality and supports a more gender-responsive institution.
