MSU Naawan Joins National Training on Gender-Inclusive P/CVE Strategies

On April 17–19, 2024, the MSU at Naawan Institute for Peace and Development in Mindanao, represented by Ms. Desheree Judena G. Preciado and Ms. Dinah Kendra Lumactad, attended the Training on Gender-Responsive Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE) Intervention held at The Linden Suites Hotel in Pasig City, Metro Manila.

Organized by the Philippine Center of Islamic Democracy (PCID) under the leadership of Ms. Amina Rasul-Bernardo, in partnership with the Global Center on Cooperative Security, the training aimed to strengthen the capacity of local peacebuilders in developing effective, gender-responsive P/CVE initiatives. Participants gained valuable knowledge and practical tools to fund, design, implement, monitor, and evaluate programs that recognize the diverse roles and experiences of individuals within their communities. By embedding gender perspectives into peacebuilding strategies, the initiative emphasized the importance of inclusive and context-responsive approaches to preventing radicalization and violence.

The activity brought together peace education champions from across the Philippines who actively contributed to thoughtful exchanges on addressing violent extremism through a gender lens. Esteemed peace advocates from Mindanao State University (MSU), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU), and the Australian Embassy joined the discussions, sharing insights that helped deepen understanding and strengthen collective commitment to peace.

This training holds significant value as it supports the advancement of community-based peacebuilding efforts, particularly in vulnerable and conflict-affected areas. By recognizing how different genders experience and respond to conflict, the program helps ensure that interventions are equitable, relevant, and responsive to the needs of diverse groups. The participation of MSU at Naawan affirms its continued dedication to fostering peace and resilience in Mindanao, while the partnerships built among government, academe, civil society, and international organizations highlight the importance of collaboration in promoting lasting peace and inclusive development across the country.