Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5: Gender Equality

Empowering Education: Caraga State University’s Commitment to Gender Equity, Inclusivity, and Innovation

Caraga State University (CSU) has been at the forefront of creating an inclusive, equitable, and technologically advanced educational environment. Through initiatives like its state-of-the-art Admission Web and Mobile Application Systems, CSU is not only simplifying the application process but also reinforcing its commitment to transparency and inclusivity. These platforms allow students to apply online, check their application status, and access university support services. One of the most notable features of these systems is their capacity for detailed data collection and analysis, which enables CSU to track and monitor demographic trends, particularly the participation and success of female students across various academic disciplines.

Advancing Gender Equity and Inclusivity

CSU’s efforts to enhance gender equity are evident across its academic and support structures. A key insight gained from the university’s digital application system is the ability to track trends in female students’ participation and success rates, especially in the context of STEM fields, where gender disparities are often more pronounced. Female students now represent approximately 44% of enrollments in Engineering, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Forestry, Environmental Science, Computer Science, and IT programs, with steadily increasing acceptance rates each year. Overall, the proportion of female students enrolled in STEM Programs throughout the campus is around 47%. These numbers highlight CSU’s success in encouraging more women to pursue traditionally male-dominated fields.

CSU Welcomes the Women’s Month Celebration Enthusiastically

Moreover, CSU’s commitment to diversity is also reflected in its non-STEM programs, where women represent a higher proportion of the student body. In programs like Environmental Science, Education, and Social Sciences, women make up around (5221 out of 7750) 67% of the enrollment, aligning with national trends that see women drawn to fields with social and community impact. These gender-focused insights are helping the university tailor outreach programs, refine recruitment strategies, and provide targeted support services to ensure that women’s representation is continually strengthened.

In addition to undergraduate programs, CSU is also working to support female students in their postgraduate aspirations. A significant 64% of students pursuing graduate studies in fields like Environmental Science and Education are female. To meet these aspirations, CSU has introduced mentorship programs among 204 women conducting their master’s theses. Under the mentoring program, one-to-one mentoring and formal seminars are being conducted aimed at guiding and empowering women to succeed at the postgraduate level, reinforcing CSU’s commitment to advancing gender equality.

Affirmative Action and Equal Access

CSU also embraces a policy of inclusivity through its Affirmative Action Plan (AAP), designed to provide equitable access to education for those who may have missed the university’s admission cut-off scores. Launched in 2019, the Pre-University Intervention Program under the AAP offers remediation in English, Mathematics, and Values to students who face language and numeracy challenges. This program is particularly beneficial for students from marginalized groups, including 4Ps beneficiaries, Indigenous Peoples, Persons with Disabilities, children of solo parents, and those with exceptional talents in sports, culture, and the arts. This initiative highlights CSU’s dedication to ensuring that every student, regardless of background, has the opportunity to succeed.

Holistic Support for Students and Faculty

CSU’s approach to inclusivity extends beyond its students to faculty and staff as well. Faculty members have access to various professional growth programs, such as fellowship programs, training, short courses, and conferences. 

One of the opportunities available for the faculty members is the fellowship program sponsored by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), which provides leadership training and research mentorship. This enables CSU’s educators to continuously improve their skills and contribute to the development of a globally competitive academic environment. Prof. Raquel Balanay, was able to  apply and avail this fellowship program of ACIAR in the University of New England in New South Wales, Australia.

The university also places a strong emphasis on gender equality in the workplace, promoting workshops and initiatives on gender awareness and gender and development (GAD) tools. These efforts are reflected in various university-wide memoranda and activities, including workshops on gender awareness and the celebration of Women’s Month, ensuring that gender equality is deeply embedded in the university’s culture. These deepening sessions on GAD awareness are successfully conducted through the CSU’s active partnerships with the Commission on Human Rights and the Regional Development Council Regional Gender and Development Committee (RDC RGADC) and Regional Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and Children (RIACAT VAWC).

Protecting Rights and Promoting Well-being

In alignment with its broader gender equity efforts, CSU has implemented robust mechanisms to protect and support its community members. The university has adopted policies to support female faculty and staff, including fringe benefits related to maternity leave, in accordance with national legislation. CSU also established a Child Care and Breastfeeding/Changing Room in 2019, providing a supportive environment for students and staff with young children.

Furthermore, CSU actively works to protect its community members from discrimination and retaliation, establishing grievance redress committees to address complaints impartially and swiftly. These committees are in line with national laws protecting individuals who report discrimination or grievances, ensuring that CSU remains a safe and supportive environment for all. 

Impact and Future Directions

CSU’s efforts in gender equality and inclusivity are already yielding significant results. In 2023, 62% of graduates in both undergraduate and graduate programs were female, demonstrating the university’s success in fostering an academic environment that supports women’s academic and professional success. With initiatives like these, CSU not only addresses current gender disparities but also lays the foundation for a more equitable future.

Looking ahead, CSU is committed to further enhancing its systems and programs to support female students, especially in STEM fields, where they are increasingly making their mark. With targeted interventions, mentorship programs, and financial support options, CSU aims to ensure that its female students have every opportunity to succeed academically, pursue postgraduate studies, and contribute meaningfully to society.

Through these comprehensive measures, Caraga State University is not just a place of learning, but a catalyst for social change, committed to providing equal educational opportunities and empowering its students, particularly women, to excel in their chosen fields.