Pursuing Gender Responsive Science and Technology


Through the GREAT Women Project (GWP), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) recognized the need to build up DOST’s capacity for integrating a gender dimension in its technology transfer and diffusion services, as well as the need for protocols and tools to assess the gender-responsiveness of DOST technologies used by micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The DOST entered into a project partnership with the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) which provided institutional and policy support, advocacy, networking, skills training and resource materials. The PCW also conducted a DOST-wide GAD Orientation on Gender-Responsive Planning and Budgeting that provided information on basic GAD concepts to at least 95 percent of DOST employees until 2010.


For its part, DOST has developed gender analysis tools to assess the gender sensitivity of DOST-assisted MSMEs along the areas of human resource, machinery, equipment, tools and accessories, and raw materials used in production and operations. The gender analysis tools were pilot-tested in Metro Naga and completed in April 2009. They form part of the GAD training modules.


Similarly, GAD training modules for GAD trainers of DOST and its attached agencies were developed under the GWP. These training modules were pilot tested among 99 trainers from the Metal Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC), Philippine Council for Industry and Energy Research and Development (PCIERD) and DOST Region XI in Davao City.


To further institutionalize the gains made from its GWP partnership, DOST intends to conduct an ex-ante and post-gender impact analyses of the institution’s GAD orientation and the assessment tool/s developed.



Written by:
Blesshe Querijero, Assistant Scientist, DOST