Institutionalizing Gender in TVET

The GREAT Women Project (GWP) implemented by TESDA highlighted the process of mainstreaming gender and entrepreneurship in the Enhanced Technology-Based Community Training Program curriculum, through the development and use of gender-responsive training modules. The use of gender-responsive training modules in the curriculum hopes to stimulate the “tech-vocpreneurship” capabilities of women, thereby increasing their opportunities to be economically productive.

The integrated training module has two parts: (1) Skills Development of Women through Technology-Based Community Training Program, and (2) Development of Technology Business Incubation for Women, whose target beneficiaries include women’s group from the identified pilot sites, TESDA GAD focal persons and Trainers of the TVET institutions.

Mainstreaming gender in the curriculum followed a three-step process that involved: 1) a review of the existing curriculum; 2) organization of the curriculum to integrate the gender and entrepreneurship components; and 3) development of training materials such as session plans, facilitators’ guide, competency-based learning materials and competency assessment tools.

Starting in 2009 and up to 2010, TESDA and PCW have been collaborating on the design and implementation of a series of workshops to validate the relevance, appropriateness and gender responsiveness of materials and instruments that form part of the training modules. Upon completion, the training materials for GAD trainers of DOST and its attached agencies. will be endorsed to the TESDA National GAD Council (NGCAD) by the Technical Working Group. NGADC will seek the approval of the TESDA Board through the Executive Committees, to institutionalize the use of the training modules in the curriculum of all qualifications with training regulations. TESDA will also conduct a Training of Trainers on Gender Sensitivity and Entrepreneurship.

Written by:
Ma. Clara B. Ignacio, Center Chief, TESDA Women’s Center