The University of the Philippines Center for Women’s and Gender Studies (UPCWGS) invites everyone to the launch of the latest issue of its journal, the Review of Women’s Studies Volume XXXIV, Number 2, on 4 September 2025 (Thursday), 1:30 PM at the UPCWGS Conference Room.
Dear Survivor: A Study on Help-Seeking Behaviors and Community-Based Care Among Service Users and Volunteers of Lunas Collective by Sabrina Laya S. Gacad, Julie B. Jolo, Bernadine I. Lanot, and Nina V. Araos
God as the Wholly Other First Cause: A Feminist Reappraisal of God-Belief by Eula Junina M. Blanco
Measuring Indices for Women Empowerment and Deprivation in the Philippines: Trends and Comparisons Using DHS Data by John Carlo P. Daquis and Alliah Yvonne B. Bobier
The Cosmopolitical Consciousness of the Female Action Heroine in BuyBust and Her Disruption of Drug War Masculine Narratives, the Action Film Genre, and Filipino Martial Arts by Julie E. Prescott
Development of a Counseling Framework for Mothers of Children with Perinatally Acquired HIV Disease by Queenie Roxas-Ridulme and Paul Froilan U. Garma
Creative Works
Flores de Mayo ngan Iba pa nga mga Siday (Flores de Mayo and Other Poems) by Jessa A. Amarille
The 2026 Philippine Queer Studies Conference (PQSC) will be held on 24-26 April 2026 at the University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City.
The 2026 PQSC takes movement as both a political act and a way of navigating the world. In this year’s theme, “Mobilizing Methodologies of Movements,” we meditate on methodologies that are not limited to academic inquiry. It includes our gestures of care, the strategies we develop in struggle, the ways we hold space, and the rhythms of our everyday resistance. To mobilize methodologies of movements is to recognize that knowledge is shaped not only by critique and confrontation, but also by affection, curiosity, play, and rest. It is to commit to moving forward with intention, grounded in the everyday and open to possibilities.
At its heart, this conference is an invitation amid growing pressures on queer and trans lives: to gather to move with care, to reflect with purpose, and to imagine liberatory futures together.
With that, participants of the conference can present their knowledge and skills rooted in research, creative work , and community work, as well as conduct workshops on topics related to LGBTQI Filipinos and their experiences. We encourage the sharing of lessons learned through various forms of knowledge: academic, literary, multimedia, performance, policy or project implementation and management, among many others.
Individual Presentations. These are 10-minute presentations. Individual presentations will be grouped into themed 1.5-hour sessions of three to four presentations and a 30-minute Q&A forum. For papers with multiple authors, assign an individual presenter.
Poster Presentations. This poster presentation queers research by disrupting the rigid, hierarchical structure of panel formats. It embraces a more open, interactive, and relational approach that invites one-on-one dialogue and sustained engagement beyond timed presentations.
Symposia. These are sessions that include three to four 10-minute presentations that revolve around a central theme. The sessions are 1.5-hour long that conclude with a 30-minute integrative discussion.
Workshops. These are 2-hour sessions led by community and professional organizations that teach participants new knowledge and skills related to LGBTQI experiences.
Art Exhibit. A curated space for visual and multimedia works that explore LGBTQI identities, experiences, and expressions. Open to various formats, the exhibit celebrates queer creativity, visibility, and storytelling.
The Review of Women’s Studies (RWS), a refereed journal published by the University of the Philippines Center for Women’s and Gender Studies (UPCWGS), invites submissions for a special issue on the theme “Gender, Media, and Development.”
This special issue seeks to critically engage with contemporary discussions, tensions, and trajectories in the following areas:
Gendered media representations, practices, and technologies; and
Feminist and queer activists’ reimagining and remaking of digital media as tools for resistance, advocacy, and transformative social change.
We encourage submissions that tackle experiences from the Philippines from the perspectives of feminist and queer media studies as well as feminist and queer digital activism.
Comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) is an essential aspect of ensuring that individuals, especially the youth, are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to make informed and responsible decisions about their sexual and reproductive health. The University of the Philippines Center for Women’s and Gender Studies (UPCWGS) will hold a series of events on this theme:
Forum on Comprehensive Sexual Education and Menstrual Health 28 March 2025 (Friday), 9:00 AM – 12:00 NN UPCWGS Conference Room Register here.
CSE plays a crucial role in equipping individuals with knowledge about reproductive health, gender equality, and bodily autonomy. One key aspect of CSE is menstrual health, an often-overlooked topic that significantly impacts the well-being, education, and empowerment of individuals who menstruate. Despite advancements in awareness, stigma, misinformation, and inadequate access to menstrual hygiene products persist. Addressing these challenges requires an integrated approach through education, policy, and community support.
Championing Rights: Why Comprehensive Sexuality Education Is a Must 8 April 2025 (Tuesday), 2:00-4:00 PM UPCWGS Conference Room Register here.
This is an event where a panel of speakers will answer the question: Why should we support CSE? They will share their experiences and knowledge about working with youth communities regarding adolescent reproductive health and rights.
Disinformation has become a major barrier to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) advocacy, particularly in efforts to prevent adolescent pregnancies, which rose by 35% in 2022 with 3,135 documented cases compared to 2,320 in 2021. To address this, experts in gender studies and family development will share insights on the importance of CSE, the social and economic consequences of rising teenage pregnancies, and how social media can be harnessed to combat disinformation and strengthen public support for SRHR initiatives.
Championing Rights: Why Comprehensive Sexuality Education Is a Must
The University of the Philippines Center for Women’s and Gender Studies (UPCWGS) invites everyone to Championing Rights: Why Comprehensive Sexuality Education Is a Must on 8 April 2025 (Tuesday), 2:00-4:00 PM at the UPCWGS Conference Room. This event is the 12th session of the “Site of Convergence: Weaving Tapestries of Knowledge” lecture series.
This is an event where a panel of speakers will answer the question: Why should we support comprehensive sexuality education? They will share their experiences and knowledge about working with youth communities regarding adolescent reproductive health and rights.
Our speakers are:
Sabrina Laya S. Gacad is presently the chairperson of the Department of Women and Development Studies, at the College of Social Work and Community Development in UP Diliman. Her research interests include Filipino sexuality, reproductive health behaviors and policies, and authentic movement. She also maintains a meditative movement practice and offers private classes. She is also the founder of Lunas Collective, a volunteer-powered online helpline and care space for people seeking support related to gender-based violence, and reproductive health. Lunas Collective’s helpline operates from Monday to Saturday, 1:00-7:00 PM.
Luis Emmanuel A. Abesamis is a health social scientist and gender studies scholar with transdisciplinary training in anthropology, sociology, and psychology. Their scholarly interests are in transgender health, the social and political histories of public health, critical drug studies, and community health engagement. Luis earned their Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Sciences (magna cum laude) from the University of the Philippines Manila and their Master of Health Social Science from De La Salle University Manila. At present, they are a fellow of the UPCWGS, a member of the International Advisory Board of the Community Development Journal, and an affiliated researcher of the Decolonial Studies Research Network.
Diana Verzosa Moraleda leads Roots of Health’s strategic media programs that raise public awareness on reproductive health and promote health-seeking behavior. Her diverse experience across research, advocacy, media, and project management underscores her ability to amplify critical issues, consolidate insights, manage complex programs, and shape communication strategies to drive social change. Before joining Roots of Health in 2022, Diana held key roles in international NGOs including International Alert, Research Triangle Institute, and Child Rights Coalition Asia, where she contributed to peace-building, health governance, and child rights. She has also worked in academic institutions and grassroots organizations focused on social justice and public health.
John Lawrence Legaspi, commonly known as Lega, is a community leader, community journalist, and an advocate. He is currently the head of the social communications committee of the youth network Kabataan Community Health Advocacy and currently serving as communications staff at Likhaan Center for Women’s Health, Inc. In 2023, Lega became a certified community-based HIV screening motivator trained by HIV & AIDS Support House, Inc. (HASH) followed by the Sustained Health Initiatives of the Philippines (SHIP). With his dedication in community education and access to services, Lega became one of the top community group leaders/promoters of the Community CSOs’ Action for SRHR, a project of Likhaan and co-funded by the European Union. Lega continuously serves the community through his advocacy in mental health, human rights, arts, environment, sexual health, and journalism.
The University of the Philippines Center for Women’s and Gender Studies (UPCWGS) celebrates this year’s Women’s Month with the theme, “Accelerate Action: Driving Gender Equality Across All Domains,” by hosting a series of activities that highlight the importance of gender equality, community service, and empowerment for all:
Women’s Month Community Bazaar March 10-14 (Monday-Friday), 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM UPCWGS Front Yard Open to the Public
Gender Sensitivity Training March 10 (Monday), 8:30 AM – 12:00 NN UPCWGS Conference Room For UP System Administration GFPS Members
Review of Women’s Studies Volume XXXIV, Number 1 Launch March 10 (Monday), 1:30-4:00 PM UPCWGS Conference Room Open to the Public
Inay Ko Po: Pagkilala sa Kababaihan, Kanilang Trabaho, at mga Kwento March 14 (Friday), 9:00-11:00 AM Kalinga Day Care Center For KDCC Kids
Kapihan at Talakayan: Paglilingkod nang may Malasakit sa Komunidad March 14 (Friday), 1:30-3:00 PM UPCWGS Conference Room For San Pedro, Laguna LGU
Training on Gender Analysis and Its Tools March 17 (Monday), 8:30 AM – 12:00 NN UPCWGS Conference Room For UP System Administration GFPS Members
Inay Ko Po: Pagkilala sa Kababaihan, Kanilang Trabaho, at mga Kwento March 21 (Friday), 2:00-4:00 PM Kalinga Day Care Center For KDCC Kids
Training on GAD Plan and Budget March 24 (Monday), 8:30 AM – 12:00 NN UPCWGS Conference Room For UP System Administration GFPS Members
Footbulilit March 24 (Monday), 8:30-11:00 AM Sunken Garden For KDCC Kids
The University of the Philippines Center for Women’s and Gender Studies (UPCWGS) is looking for a Project Staff (Training Coordinator).
Interested applicants may send their documentary requirements and cover letter to: [email protected].
The deadline for submission of applications is 28 February 2025.
You may also submit printed requirements in a sealed envelope to the Administrative Office, UP Center for Women’s and Gender Studies, Magsaysay Ave. corner Ylanan St., UP Campus, Quezon City.
Note: This is a contractual position with employment subject to evaluation and renewal.
To open its Women’s Month celebration, the University of the Philippines Center for Women’s and Gender Studies (UPCWGS) invites everyone to the launch of the latest issue of its journal, the Review of Women’s Studies Volume XXXIV, Number 1, on 10 March 2025 (Monday), 1:30 PM at the UPCWGS Conference Room.
Clandestine Casualties: Examining the Right to Abortion Under International Law in the Philippine Context by Marianne Crielle G. Vitug
Microaggression Toward Filipino Women With Mobility Disabilities: From Microstories to Macrostruggles by Christelle Juin R. Ancha and Jan Erron R. Celebrado
Nipping the Stereotypes: Development of a Sexual Health Literacy Program for Teens and Young Adults With Moderate to Severe Levels of Intellectual Disability by Marie Grace A. Gomez
Advancing Women’s Leadership in the Philippine Health Sector: A Policy Review by Lynnell Alexie Ong, Reneepearl Kim Sales, Pura Angela Wee Co, and Katherine Ann Reyes
“Goodness Without the Guilt”: Constructing the Ideal Feminine Through Consumerism That Cares by Maritess D. Cruz
Review
Hyphenate Woman: Pacita Abad Stitching Solidarity—A Review of Pacita Abad’s Retrospective at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art by Jose Santos P. Ardivilla
The University of the Philippines Center for Women’s and Gender Studies (UPCWGS) is now accepting proposals for its 2025 UPCWGS Research Grant. The grant seeks to fund cutting-edge research on women and gender in the Philippines.
The UPCWGS will award funding of up to PhP100,000 to six (6) research projects on women and gender in the Philippines. Project duration should be within a six-month period with the start date on 1 April 2025. Researchers will be given two (2) months after the research period to write their journal article.
Eligibility
The researcher, or at least the project leader of the research team, must be a regular employee of the University of the Philippines.
3. Cover letter signifying interest and summarizing the project proposal
4. Recommendation letter from the project leader’s past or present supervisor
Selection Criteria
Research proposals will be evaluated based on timeliness/relevance of topic, creativity of approach, methodological soundness, contribution to knowledge, potential social impact, and effectiveness of writing style.
Terms and Conditions
Awarded projects will be provided with an initial outlay of 20% of the grant at the start of the project. Afterwards, funds will be released in four tranches upon submission of each of the three progress reports, one journal article that is accepted in the Review of Women’s Studies, and a policy brief.
Please email your proposals to [email protected], with “2025 UPCWGS RESEARCH GRANT” in the subject line, by 28 February 2025.
The Review of Women’s Studies (RWS) is now accepting submissions for its upcoming issue.
The RWS is a refereed journal published twice a year by the University of the Philippines Center for Women’s and Gender Studies (UPCWGS).
The journal serves as a forum where ideas on issues and concerns affecting the lives of women, seen from the analytical perspectives of different disciplines, may be exchanged. Works that critically explore the myriad experiences of Filipino women and problematize gender relations in Philippine society are welcome. The RWS encourages and seeks to publish: (a) research papers that employ feminist methodologies and that adhere to the principles of feminist research, bearing in mind the intersectionality of gender, class, religion, age, and education; (b) reviews of current scholarship (local or foreign); and (c) creative works (poems, short fiction, essays, and artworks) that provide insights into women’s consciousness and give life to their hopes and dreams.
The RWS follows the double-blind peer review process.
Guidelines for Contributors
1. Research papers and reviews may be written in English or Filipino while literary works may be in English or any Philippine language.
2. Research papers must be accompanied by an abstract of 200 words. Manuscripts in Filipino must be accompanied by a fairly comprehensive abstract in English. Abstracts must include the following:
a. Rationale b. Objectives c. Methods d. Major findings e. Recommendations
3. Research papers must have a maximum of 8,000 words, including tables, figures, footnotes, and list of references. Reviews and literary works should be 6,000 words. When works include tables and figures, the maximum should not exceed 40 manuscript pages.
4. Works must be submitted in Microsoft Word .doc/.docx format in A4 paper size with 1 inch border margins, 12-point Times New Roman font, double-spaced, and paginated.
5. Works should be accompanied by a cover page containing the manuscript title, contributor’s name, affiliation, postal address, email address, and telephone number. Repeat the title on the first page of the manuscript. The name of the contributor should not appear after the cover page. No identifying information about the contributor should be included in the submitted manuscript or the abstract.
6. Contributors must accomplish theRWS Contributor Checklist which contains the manuscript title, contributor’s name, and a checklist that includes the following:
a. Assurance that the work is original. b. Assurance that the work has not been published previously or currently under review for publication elsewhere. c. Information about the existence of any closely related works that have been submitted for simultaneous consideration to the same or to another publication. d. Disclosure of any conflicts of interest that might be seen as influencing the work. e. Verification that the treatment of human participants or nonhuman animal subjects was in accordance with established ethical standards. f. Copy of any permissions granted to reproduce copyrighted material or a notice that permissions are pending. g. Willingness to adhere to the publication timeline.
For works with two or more authors, the following are also in the checklist:
h. Assurances that all authors agree with the content of the manuscript and with the order of authorship. i. Assurances that the corresponding author will take responsibility for informing coauthors in a timely manner of editorial decisions, reviews received, changes made in response to editorial review, and content of revisions.
7. Works should use the American Psychological Association (APA) Style in the whole manuscript. Please consult the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.) regarding mechanics of style, tables and figures, citations, and references.
Research papers submitted to the RWS must have the following elements:
a. Title b. Abstract c. Keywords d. Body of the paper e. Reference list f. Appendices, if applicable
Reviews and creative works are also expected to reflect items (a) and (d) above.
8. Images included in manuscripts must be submitted in .tiff, .png, or .jpeg format. Images should be high resolution (at least 8.5 x 11 inches or 2,500 x 3,500 pixels at 300 dpi; each file should be at least 1 MB). It is the responsibility of the contributor to acquire copyright permissions for work outside of the public domain.
9. Contributors must accomplish the Copyright Transfer Agreement which grants the UPCWGS to publish and disseminate the submitted work once it is accepted for publication.
10. Contributors should adhere to the timetable set by the editor-in-chief. Failure to do so would mean the contributor’s loss of interest to publish their submission and the withdrawal of the consideration of the work for publication.
Please send your submissions to [email protected] with “RWS Submission” in the email subject heading.
Deadline: 28 February 2025 Target publication date: December 2025
