GENDER and development (GAD) seems to be alien to most co-ops.
Despite the gender-related circular from Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) in 2013, still, few co-ops have their GAD Committees and Focal Persons. Just last year, CDA released its circular on the tool for assessing progress of gender equality in primary cooperatives which I believe a good start and basis for the sector to improve its plans and policies.
To address gender issues in the cooperatives specifically those involved in water services, the Water and Sanitation Council of La Trinidad conducted a three-day trainers training on strategic planning.
Ms. Sharon Pawid of the Planning and Development Office heads the technical working group of the council. She said that the training is very important for the co-ops to mainstream GAD in their plans towards achieving gender responsive programs.
CDA oriented the participants on the GAD legal basis and the assessment tool for cooperatives. Atty. Franco Bawang together with Ms. Faye Flores took part in the proper filling in of the assessment tool to get the right interpretation of scores.
As far as I can remember, I attended various gender sensitivity trainings (GST) but the discussion of Ms. Mimi Co, GAD Resource pool member of Philippine Commission of Women, reminded me that gender sensitivity should be practiced as a way of life. Certainly, Will I try buying a blue crib or a pair of blue jerseys for my cute little baby girl soon, or will I buy a Barbie doll for my two-year old son? Still, the awkwardness is there but only pint-sized after the GST.
Purposely, the training is designed in preparation for the mainstreaming of GAD in the strategic development plans and policies of water service cooperatives and an organization in the locality. The activity will happen on November 27-29 at the Strawberry Valley Hotel.
All water service co-ops of La Trinidad are invited to attend the said planning. The participants must bring their Financial Statement for the past two years, by-laws and articles of incorporation, General Information of the Co-op, membership record, policies, plans, performance audit report, social audit report, and other important documents to be used during the activity.