15/03/2026
| FEATURE
Prickles of inequality, rose of gender justice
Sharp, pointed, and harsh—these are often encountered whenever gender concerns are brought up. However, despite these prickles, the rose continues to bloom under the sun that sheds light, much like how the Community Extension Brigade shone through their seminar that aimed to promote gender justice.
Entitled “Voices of Equality for Gender Justice and Reduced Inequality,” the seminar aimed to be a breather from academic discussions by tackling gender concerns and highlighting inclusivity above all. It acknowledged that each spectrum represents beauty and deserves to be included—moving beyond respect and understanding.
Treasurer Althea Redublo, one of the project heads, shared that they believe there is still a lack of knowledge and discussion regarding gender justice; thus, this seminar was organized as their response.
“Mostly mga events dito ay mga seminar tungkol sa acads [academics], kaya naisip namin na why not ganitong theme naman,” Redublo shared when asked about the inspiration behind the event.
Through the personal observations and motivation of Redublo and Program Director Fiona Marie Repuyo, the event was brought to life. It became even more colorful with a new shade of learning introduced by Guidance Counselor and A Community of Acceptance and Pride (ACAP) adviser Therese Marie Araneta, the seminar’s invited speaker.
From personal experiences to general observations, the talk tackled inequalities in several forms. Whether through humor delivered on a daily basis, leadership spaces often dominated by men, expectations from others, or cultural barriers, some people have learned to live with it—not by choice but because it has been imposed on them since childhood. Araneta addressed how these experiences can be seen every day and from anyone, yet still often go unseen.
As she expressed her “whys” during the talk, Araneta also highlighted her “why nots.” Women in politics, men liking K-pop, supporting gender-centered local initiatives, and acknowledging oneself as more than just their gender all share one word: possible.
Araneta concluded her discussion with a reminder she hopes people will carry with them. Challenging the usual and learning to stand for justice, she expressed, “Let’s have a shared language [that is], kagalang-galang ka.”
Although the event was originally planned for January, project heads Redublo and Repuyo believed that its move to March was destined, with stars aligning for this advocacy—Women’s Month being celebrated and more people understanding its purpose, even amid certain challenges.
Voices of Equality indeed lived up to its advocacy, as it was supported by various contributions—from the vibrant performance of the League of Junior Tourism Professionals (LJTP), the anonymous experiences shared by the participants, to the insightful talk delivered by speaker Araneta.
“Yung intent po talaga ng event namin is to show that everyone and anyone should be accepted for who they are,” Redublo added as the event concluded.
Each celebration tells a story, and each story adds a color to the spectrum. Voices of Equality lived by its purpose to challenge these inequalities that may prick a part of one’s being, but its beauty would remain unmatched—each gender is a rose, and each deserves to rise above inequality.
Written by Leila Pauline Tan
Photo courtesy: NU Dasmariñas ComEx Brigade
| FEATURE
Prickles of inequality, rose of gender justice
Sharp, pointed, and harsh—these are often encountered whenever gender concerns are brought up. However, despite these prickles, the rose continues to bloom under the sun that sheds light, much like how the Community Extension Brigade shone through their seminar that aimed to promote gender justice.
Entitled “Voices of Equality for Gender Justice and Reduced Inequality,” the seminar aimed to be a breather from academic discussions by tackling gender concerns and highlighting inclusivity above all. It acknowledged that each spectrum represents beauty and deserves to be included—moving beyond respect and understanding.
Treasurer Althea Redublo, one of the project heads, shared that they believe there is still a lack of knowledge and discussion regarding gender justice; thus, this seminar was organized as their response.
“Mostly mga events dito ay mga seminar tungkol sa acads [academics], kaya naisip namin na why not ganitong theme naman,” Redublo shared when asked about the inspiration behind the event.
Through the personal observations and motivation of Redublo and Program Director Fiona Marie Repuyo, the event was brought to life. It became even more colorful with a new shade of learning introduced by Guidance Counselor and A Community of Acceptance and Pride (AKAP) adviser Therese Marie Araneta, the seminar’s invited speaker.
From personal experiences to general observations, the talk tackled inequalities in several forms. Whether through humor delivered on a daily basis, leadership spaces often dominated by men, expectations from others, or cultural barriers, some people have learned to live with it—not by choice but because it has been imposed on them since childhood. Araneta addressed how these experiences can be seen every day and from anyone, yet still often go unseen.
As she expressed her “whys” during the talk, Araneta also highlighted her “why nots.” Women in politics, men liking K-pop, supporting gender-centered local initiatives, and acknowledging oneself as more than just their gender all share one word: possible.
Araneta concluded her discussion with a reminder she hopes people will carry with them. Challenging the usual and learning to stand for justice, she expressed, “Let’s have a shared language [that is], kagalang-galang ka.”
Although the event was originally planned for January, project heads Redublo and Repuyo believed that its move to March was destined, with stars aligning for this advocacy—Women’s Month being celebrated and more people understanding its purpose, even amid certain challenges.
Voices of Equality indeed lived up to its advocacy, as it was supported by various contributions—from the vibrant performance of the League of Junior Tourism Professionals (LJTP), the anonymous experiences shared by the participants, to the insightful talk delivered by speaker Araneta.
“Yung intent po talaga ng event namin is to show that everyone and anyone should be accepted for who they are,” Redublo added as the event concluded.
Each celebration tells a story, and each story adds a color to the spectrum. Voices of Equality lived by its purpose to challenge these inequalities that may prick a part of one’s being, but its beauty would remain unmatched—each gender is a rose, and each deserves to rise above inequality.
Written by: Leila Pauline Tan
Photo courtesy: NU Dasmariñas ComEx Brigade
