SDG 5: Gender Equality | Ateneo & UN Sustainable Development Goals

Ateneo and the UN Sustainable Development Goals

The then Ateneo de Manila University Loyola Schools, now known as Ateneo College, released a Policy Statement in December 2018 to establish The Ateneo de Manila University Loyola Schools Policy Statement on Building a Gender Inclusive, Gender Responsive, and Gender Safe Community. The policy was based on three pillars: inclusivity, gender-responsiveness, and safety. It aimed to create a community that respects the dignity of every individual, regardless of their sex, gender, or sexuality. To achieve this goal, the policy promoted transformative practices and supporting services that addressed sexual and gender-based violence.

In August 2019, the Ateneo de Manila University Gender Hub, then known as the Loyola Schools Gender Hub, was established as the university's diversity and equality office within Ateneo College. The Gender Hub offered a safe space for members of the LGBTQIA+ community to address issues related to sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression (SOGIE). Its strategic priorities included developing gender-responsive procedures and standards, organizing sensitivity training programs, and offering support services for cases of sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, and sexual and gender-based violence.

On 26 September 2020, the University introduced the Code of Decorum | Policies & Regulations | Ateneo de Manila University. This policy focuses on defining sexual harassment, addressing various forms of sexual misconduct, and regulating inappropriate behavior. The policy applies to University students and personnel, replacing the prior Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy.

In 2024, the University elevated the policy statement to Higher Education Policy Statement on Building a Gender Inclusive, Gender Responsive, and Gender Safe Community.

Ateneo's Safe Space for Lactating Mothers Initiative

The University Gender and Development Office (UGDO) takes charge of creating and executing Gender and Development (GAD) policies and programs, which include training initiatives for University personnel. It oversees the University's compliance with CHED's GAD-related directives, and the UGDO Director serves as the ex-officio Chair of the University Gender and Development Focal Committee, as mandated by CHED CMO 1, s. 2015.

Lactation Room

UGDO has launched an initiative supporting SDG 5, Gender and Equality, the Safe Space for Lactating Mothers. The Lactation Room demonstrates the university's commitment to child-friendly facilities, and its establishment within the campuses of Junior and Senior High Schools and Higher Education is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the university's Health Services, the Gender Development Committees, and Offices of Assistant Principals and UGDO.

Lactation Room

Ateneo exemplifies its proactive approach to realizing SDG 5 by establishing a designated space for breastfeeding, ensuring an inclusive environment that resonates with its ethos of holistic well-being and social progress. For more information, see https://www.ateneo.edu/central/gender/ugdo/about

Non-Discrimination Policies

Ateneo de Manila University has implemented policies and initiatives to promote gender inclusivity and equal opportunities within its community. These policies include a Code of Decorum addressing sexual harassment, a Gender Policy promoting a gender-inclusive and gender-safe community, and the University Gender Hub providing support services for gender-based violence. Ateneo also has specific policies for accommodating applicants with special needs during admission testing and evaluates applicants based on their potential, irrespective of gender or other factors.

Health And Well-Being

The Policy Statement on University Health and Well-Being (2021) of Ateneo de Manila University promotes inclusivity by ensuring health promotion without discrimination based on any factors,

Special Needs

Moreover, our Policy for Addressing Students with Special Needs is driven by principles of non-discrimination, inclusivity, and the right to quality education. We recognize our responsibility to provide reasonable accommodation to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and admissions must comply with international and national frameworks such as the UN Convention on the Rights of PWDs, the Magna Carta for PWDs (RA 7277), and the Mental Health Law (RA 11036).

Faculty And Students

The 2019 Faculty Manual actively advocates for the culture of human rights, respect, and diversity appreciation among faculty members. Student handbooks, such as Undergraduate Manual 2023 and Graduate Student Handbook 2019, also recognize all forms of discrimination as an offense, emphasizing the importance of an inclusive environment.

Admissions

Graduate Education (LS): Admissions: "OADGP Admission Testing Guidelines for Accommodation of Applicants with Special Needs," demonstrating its dedication to inclusivity, legal compliance, and ensuring an environment that respects the rights and dignity of all members of its community. Additionally, Tuition (20%) Scholarship for Persons with Disabilities" and its commitment to admitting qualified individuals, irrespective of their backgrounds.

Undergraduate Education: Admissions: Ateneo is committed to admitting qualified individuals, regardless of nationality, creed, gender, residence, or financial capability, and values openness and inclusivity. Ateneo emphasizes the evaluation of applicants based on their preparation, fitness, and potential to contribute to the academic community and serve others, echoing the importance of ensuring that all university community members receive equal treatment, respect, and dignity, regardless of their backgrounds or characteristics.