04 January 2016 – The Philippine Embassy in Muscat conducted a session on “Ethics and Decorum: Gender-Sensitive Behavior for Foreign Service Personnel” on 17 December 2015 as part of its Gender and Development (GAD) programs and activities for the fourth quarter of 2015.

The lecture was attended by Embassy officers and staff, including local hires and personnel of attached agencies.  Second Secretary and Consul Bernadette A. Mendoza was the resource speaker for the lecture.

The session highlighted the components of gender sensitivity and how this can be developed by examining conventional assumptions and biases acquired through one’s cultural background, upbringing and education. It incorporated a reflection activity wherein the participants were divided into groups, asked to share experiences and insights on the items discussed, and share these with the larger group. It also touched on sex-related offenses and the gender-sensitive response to such cases, especially towards the victims, who usually face discrimination after their traumatic experiences.

Due to the need for further discussion regarding gender-sensitive and ethical behavior and the administrative redress provided by Philippine laws and regulations, the Embassy plans to hold additional sessions on the subject.  END