Baguio City: The Supreme Court (SC) has launched its first Gender Sensitivity Training (GST) in the Judiciary Workshop, reinforcing its commitment to fairness, equality, and inclusivity in the judicial system.

According to Philippines News Agency, the pilot session took place on March 10 - 11 in Baguio City in coordination with the Philippine Judicial Academy (PHILJA). The GST included lectures on Fundamental Gender Concepts Including Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE); Gender Images in Relation to Gender Concept; Gender-Fair Language in the Judiciary and Gender-Fair Courtroom Etiquette; and Sexual Harassment, CODI (Committee on Decorum and Investigation), and Safe Spaces Act.

The workshop was led by Associate Justices Henri Jean Paul Inting and Jhosep Lopez, co-chairs of the SC Committee on Gender Responsiveness in the Judiciary (CGRJ). Inting encouraged participants to incorporate gender sensitivity into their daily work. 'This initiative is not merely an academic exercise on gender inclusion -- it is a call to action. The discussions should catalyze a transformation in how we handle gender-related issues in our courts and communities,' he said.

Lopez reminded attendees of the crucial role they play in shaping public perception of the Judiciary. 'Judges and court employees play a critical role in fostering an environment that is gender-sensitive, creating a safe space for all. Our actions and decisions set the tone for how gender issues are perceived and addressed within the Judiciary,' he said. 'By embodying the principles of gender sensitivity, we can ensure that everyone who interacts with the judicial system feels respected, valued, and protected. Together, we can create a Judiciary that truly reflects the principles of fairness and equality.'