The 每日大赛网址首页进入 (CvSU), through its Gender and Development Resource Center (GADRC), successfully conducted the Women in Leadership Forum on September 18, 2025, at the S.M. Rolle Hall, CvSU, Indang Cavite, with simultaneous livestreaming via Facebook.
This undertaking formed part of the investiture celebration of Dr. Ma. Agnes P. Nuestro as the University鈥檚 fourth president, carrying the theme 鈥淐elebrating a Milestone: Women鈥檚 Leadership and Inclusive Governance in Higher Education.鈥�
The activity formally opened with the welcome message of Dr. Mary Jane D. Tepora, Vice President for Planning and Development, who underscored the critical role of women in leadership and their capacity to deliver meaningful contributions to governance and education. This was followed by the introduction of the keynote speaker by Dr. Ma. Cynthia Rundina-Dela Cruz, Director of the GADRC.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Renifer R. Francisco, President of the Gender Empowerment Consultancy and Advocacy Firm and member of the Philippine Commission on Women NGRP Pool 鈥� Batch 4. In her address, Dr. Francisco highlighted the indispensable role of women in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while also noting persistent barriers such as gender stereotypes, unconscious bias, unequal opportunities, and limited access to mentorship. She emphasized the need for inclusive leadership practices that promote equitable pay, flexible work arrangements, mentorship and sponsorship, and policies that ensure gender-responsive and enabling environments in higher education institutions.
Furthermore, Dr. Francisco stressed that fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion is not only essential to institutional productivity and innovation but also central to building workplaces that value harmony, accountability, and respect. She noted that such goals require concrete strategies and consistent commitment from all leaders.
The forum also served as a platform to recognize the contributions of women leaders who have championed inclusive governance, transformative education, and gender-responsive policies. It further highlighted the inspiring experiences of women who have successfully overcome institutional and societal barriers, while affirming CvSU鈥檚 continuing commitment to cultivate future women leaders through relevant programs, mentoring opportunities, and gender-equitable policies in decision-making spaces.
With the participation of faculty members, non-academic staff, students, and external stakeholders, the activity stood as a significant milestone in CvSU鈥檚 sustained efforts to advance gender equality, inclusive governance, and leadership development in higher education. (by Janeal Krayjn Rebutazo)
