Men urged to promote gender equality

Prof. Kairo Zoe Canete, Gender and Development officer of UP Cebu explains the “HeForShe” campaign to students during the forum. (CDN PHOTO/ JUNJIE MENDOZA)

Men should promote gender equality and women empowerment to stop the cycle of violence committed against women.

This was the theme of yesterday’s  “HeForShe” forum sponsored by the University of the Philippines-Cebu (UP-Cebu) Student Council.

“HeForShe” is a United Nations (UN) campaign aimed at engaging men to promote gender equality. Among its proponents is former “Harry Potter” star Emma Watson.

“When you say gender it’s all about  roles. In our culture  in the Philippines, women act as subordinates of men. But men and women share the same rights and opportunities. We vary in roles because of our unique characteristics,” said Kenneth Siasar, former president of the Philippine Nursing Association (PNA) Cebu chapter.

“We have to be equal partners. We need to complement each other. Men and women should fill each other’s limitations,” Siasar said.

Kaira Zoe Canete, assistant professor for gender and development office from UP-Cebu, said men’s involvement in gender equality is effective because they are comfortable talking to each other.

“Advocating gender equality is not a choice but a necessity. If you respect human rights and uphold human dignity then you have an obligation to do so,” she said.

Canete also refuted misconceptions that feminists are “bra-burning” man haters.

The campaign also aims to raise awareness online by having photos of male students and workers in Cebu hold up whiteboards stating  their views on gender equality.

“This campaign is a game changer. It’s time we see Filipino men speak up on inequality, violence and discrimination against women,” UP Cebu Student Councilor Justine Balane said.