Gender equality and inclusivity are essential to building harmonious communities. At the UP Institute of Islamic Studies (UP IIS), these principles are reflected in research and extension initiatives that examine gender issues by incorporating Gender and Development (GAD) perspectives while also applying an Islamic lens.
These efforts were highlighted during the UP Diliman 17th GAD Summit, held on October 29, 2026, at the ASEAN-Japan Hall, Asian Center, UP Diliman. Organized by the UP Diliman Gender Office, the annual summit brings together GAD committees across the university to share good practices, resources, and innovations in gender mainstreaming. UP IIS was among the 10 units invited to present its GAD-related programs, activities, and projects (PAPs) and participate in the summit’s mini exhibit.
During the summit, UP IIS GAD Committee Chair Mr. Kamaruddin Bin Alawi Mohammad presented the Institute’s PAPs, highlighting its observances of World Hijab Day and the National Day of Awareness of Hijab and Other Traditional Garments.
For several years, UP IIS has organized the UP Hijab Challenge, followed by a public forum, to commemorate these occasions. Through these activities, the Institute promotes inclusivity and cultural appreciation while encouraging meaningful dialogue among people of different faiths and backgrounds. By inviting non-Muslim women and other interested participants to wear the hijab for a day, the challenge provides an opportunity to express solidarity with Muslim women and promote a greater understanding of the significance of the hijab in Muslim communities.
The Institute also highlighted its research initiatives addressing gender-related concerns, including “Misplaced Shame: The Case Study of Menstrual Poverty in Malaysia,” presented by Dr. Sh. Fatimah AlZahrah Bt. Syed Hussein. The research underscores the need to address menstrual stigma and unequal access to menstrual health resources, particularly in the Malaysian context. Its findings and insights may also inform similar research and advocacy initiatives in the Philippines.
To preserve and disseminate the knowledge generated through these initiatives, UP IIS has produced proceedings documenting the hijab-related activities and the presentation on menstrual poverty. These publications provide comprehensive accounts of the lectures and discussions, serving as valuable references on gender-related issues and contributing to broader discourse on women’s rights, dignity, and empowerment.
Beyond research, UP IIS integrates gender-related components into its extension programs, particularly those that support women’s empowerment, livelihood development, and access to services.
One example is the Peace, Development, and Microfinance Program, which prioritizes women, particularly mothers, in capacity-building activities on Islamic microfinance and livelihood development in accordance with Shari’ah (Islamic) law. Through this initiative, the Institute supports women’s economic participation while promoting approaches grounded in Islamic ethical and legal frameworks.
Another initiative is the Spiritual Reflection, Community Building, and Iftar Program for Muslim Women Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs), led by Assoc. Prof. Macrina Morados, a UP IIS faculty member. Implemented since 2016, the program seeks to uphold the rights and dignity of women PDLs through spiritual reflection and prayer, free legal consultations, and the provision of iftar meals during the holy month of Ramadan. By addressing their spiritual, legal, and social needs, the initiative demonstrates the importance of inclusive and gender-responsive extension work.
Alongside its presentation, selected UP IIS PAPs were showcased at the summit’s mini exhibit. The display featured two sets of traditional Muslim attire, copies of the Institute’s proceedings, videos, and social media cards highlighting its GAD-related initiatives. These materials provided visitors with a visual and informational overview of the Institute’s efforts to promote gender inclusivity, cultural appreciation, and awareness of gender-related issues.
The summit also provided an opportunity for UP IIS to highlight a key milestone in its GAD initiatives: the establishment of a committee composed of representatives from different Institute units. Led by Mr. Mohammad and Ms. Kristine Joyce Sulla, Administrative Officer IV, who serves as vice chair, the committee includes Mr. Marlon Pervera, Administrative Assistant III, representing the Administrative Office; Ms. Lotea Luangco of the IIS Library; and Ms. Camille Lucille A. Bello of the Research, Publication, and Extension Division. The committee is guided by UP IIS Dean Prof. Julkipli M. Wadi.
Through the committee, the Institute has conducted gender sensitivity training for its students and staff and participated in UP Diliman GAD activities, including the GAD Assembly, the Professional Development Training Series, and the 2026 GAD Summit.
Participation in the summit also enabled committee members to identify potential partnerships and explore initiatives aligned with the Institute’s advocacies and development plans. Among the key directions identified by the UP IIS GAD Committee are improving gender-responsive and accessible infrastructure, sustaining and expanding flagship initiatives such as the UP Hijab Challenge, and strengthening gender-related publications.
Through its GAD Committee, UP IIS aims to further institutionalize gender mainstreaming across its research, extension programs, and institutional practices. Beyond contributing to the university’s broader GAD goals, the Institute seeks to foster a deeper appreciation of Islam’s perspectives on gender while promoting mutual understanding and respect among people of diverse backgrounds.
Article by Camille Lucille A. Bello, University Researcher II
Photos by Marlon B. Pervera, Administrative Assistant III