UP launches ASEAN University Network’s first specialized collaboration on gender justice and inclusion

The Asean University Network’s Thematic Network on Gender Justice and Inclusion (AUN-GJI) was launched last month on March 31st at the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman.

AUN is a network of universities dedicated to strengthening collaboration among leading higher education institutions in the ASEAN region to enhance regional identity and solidarity. UP is one of the three core members representing the Philippines in the AUN.

Led by UP under the UP Center for Women’s and Gender Studies (UP CWGS), the AUN-GJI is the 19th addition to the AUN’s growing network of Thematic Networks and the first Thematic Network on GJI of the AUN. Thematic networks are specialized areas of academic collaboration that are recognized by the AUN as crucial enough to warrant the establishment of dedicated secretariats.

The new Thematic Network is rooted in the AUN’s recognition that gender justice is essential for achieving a just and equitable society. The Network seeks to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4: Quality Education, Goal 5: Gender Equality, and Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities. It is anchored on four core principles: (1) fairness, equality and equity, (2) inclusive and respectful environments, (3) intersectionality, and (4) continuous advocacy and collaboration.

The decision to schedule the launch of the AUN-GJI to coincide with the National Women’s Month points to the importance of both celebrating women’s achievements and addressing key issues related to women’s empowerment and gender equality.

In his opening remarks at the launch, Vice President for Academic Affairs Leo DP Cubillan stressed the urgency of tackling complex challenges surrounding gender inequality. He stated that gender justice and inclusion are fundamental to UP’s three-fold mission of teaching, research, and public service.

Delivering the welcome message, President Angelo Jimenez underscored how the new Thematic Network further elevates UP to the international platform and expressed his hopes for UP to assume more leadership roles globally. He highlighted the significant contributions of women, both within the Philippines and abroad, citing examples such as their groundbreaking scientific discoveries and the critical role of remittances in strengthening the Philippine economy.

UP President Angelo Jimenez highlights the impact of women on society

Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs Maria Theresa Payongayong, an expert in feminist philosophy, then provided a comprehensive overview of the events that led to the establishment of the Thematic Network, along with its objectives and goals. The newly established Network was the result of Prof. Payongayong’s visionary leadership and initiative.

UP CWGS Director and gender equality advocate Marby Villaceran also shared her personal experience as one of the principal contributors to crafting the proposal, collaborating with Prof. Payongayong, and presenting it to the AUN for approval. She mentioned the immediate plans of AUN-GJI particularly in collaborating with other UP offices.

Conceptualized in 2023, the new Thematic Network was officially approved on 18-19 July 2024 during the 15th AUN Rectors’ Meeting and 39th AUN Board of Trustees Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand. The budget for implementation was approved by the UP Board of Regents at its 1397th meeting on 27 February 2025.

UP CWGS Director Marby Villaceran and AVPAA Ma. Theresa Payongayong (3rd and 4th from left) pose with guests

UP launches ASEAN University Network’s first specialized collaboration on gender justice and inclusion

The Asean University Network’s Thematic Network on Gender Justice and Inclusion (AUN-GJI) was launched last month on March 31st at the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman.

AUN is a network of universities dedicated to strengthening collaboration among leading higher education institutions in the ASEAN region to enhance regional identity and solidarity. UP is one of the three core members representing the Philippines in the AUN.

Led by UP under the UP Center for Women’s and Gender Studies (UP CWGS), the AUN-GJI is the 19th addition to the AUN’s growing network of Thematic Networks and the first Thematic Network on GJI of the AUN. Thematic networks are specialized areas of academic collaboration that are recognized by the AUN as crucial enough to warrant the establishment of dedicated secretariats.

The new Thematic Network is rooted in the AUN’s recognition that gender justice is essential for achieving a just and equitable society. The Network seeks to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4: Quality Education, Goal 5: Gender Equality, and Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities. It is anchored on four core principles: (1) fairness, equality and equity, (2) inclusive and respectful environments, (3) intersectionality, and (4) continuous advocacy and collaboration.

The decision to schedule the launch of the AUN-GJI to coincide with the National Women’s Month points to the importance of both celebrating women’s achievements and addressing key issues related to women’s empowerment and gender equality.

In his opening remarks at the launch, Vice President for Academic Affairs Leo DP Cubillan stressed the urgency of tackling complex challenges surrounding gender inequality. He stated that gender justice and inclusion are fundamental to UP’s three-fold mission of teaching, research, and public service.

Delivering the welcome message, President Angelo Jimenez underscored how the new Thematic Network further elevates UP to the international platform and expressed his hopes for UP to assume more leadership roles globally. He highlighted the significant contributions of women, both within the Philippines and abroad, citing examples such as their groundbreaking scientific discoveries and the critical role of remittances in strengthening the Philippine economy.

UP President Angelo Jimenez highlights the impact of women on society

Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs Maria Theresa Payongayong, an expert in feminist philosophy, then provided a comprehensive overview of the events that led to the establishment of the Thematic Network, along with its objectives and goals. The newly established Network was the result of Prof. Payongayong’s visionary leadership and initiative.

UP CWGS Director and gender equality advocate Marby Villaceran also shared her personal experience as one of the principal contributors to crafting the proposal, collaborating with Prof. Payongayong, and presenting it to the AUN for approval. She mentioned the immediate plans of AUN-GJI particularly in collaborating with other UP offices.

Conceptualized in 2023, the new Thematic Network was officially approved on 18-19 July 2024 during the 15th AUN Rectors’ Meeting and 39th AUN Board of Trustees Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand. The budget for implementation was approved by the UP Board of Regents at its 1397th meeting on 27 February 2025.

UP CWGS Director Marby Villaceran and AVPAA Ma. Theresa Payongayong (3rd and 4th from left) pose with guests