Ni NOEL ABUEL
Inilunsad sa Mababang Kapulungan ng Kongreso ang gender fair language guidebook na naglalayong bigyang halaga ang paninindigan ng institusyon sa pagkakapantay-pantay, katarungan at pagiging inklusibo.
Sa pamamagitan ng Gender and Development Focal Point System (GDFPS), ang “Inclusive Voices: A Gender-Fair Language Guidebook for Legislators, Legislative Staff, and the Public.”
Sa kanilang 42-pahinang guidebook kung papaano mag-practice ng gender-fair language sa pamamagitan ng sulat at spoken communication, layon ng GDFPS na tanggalin ang anumang bias, o exclusion batay sa kasarian sa loob ng institusyon.
Binigyan linaw ng GDFPS na ang paggamit ng gender-fair language ay isang makapangyarihang gamit sa pagsusulong ng paggalang, pagkilala sa mga pagkakaiba, at pagtitiyak na ang lahat, anuman ang kanyang pananaw sa kasarian, kasariang katauhan, pagpapahayag, at para maramdaman ang kahalagahan at kinakatawan.
Binati ni Committee on accounts chairperson at Tingog Party-list Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez ang GDFPS, sa pamumuno ni Secretary General Reginald Velasco at co-chaired by Deputy Secretary General for Legal Affairs Department Atty. Annalou Nachura, kabilang na ang mga miyembro ng Editorial Board, mga contributors, at ang grupo ng layout, design, at printing.
Ayon dito, ang guidebook publication ay hudyat ng pagpapakita ng Kamara ng paninindigan ng GAD FPS sa makabuluhang pag-unlad.
“I have always believed that language is powerful in many ways. In a society with various persuasions, language has the power to unite. It reflects our shared identity by facilitating communication and fostering understanding. Language is also the vessel that carries our ideals and aspirations as a nation. As reflected in no less than the Constitution, it provides, in no uncertain language, that the Filipino nation wants to build a ‘just and humane society’ under the ‘rule of law and a regime of truth, justice, freedom, love, equality, and peace.’ I am sure you all agree with me when I say that those are not empty words. That as a nation, we live by those values and we commit to promote them for the benefit of everyone. It is in that context by which this guidebook is created,” ayon kay Romualdez.
Nagpahayag ito ng tiwala na sa pamamagitan ng paggamit ng gender-fair language, ay makikilala ang pagkakaiba, ang paggalang at pagiging makatarungan ay naibabahagi, at ang inklusyon ay naisusulong.
“When we use gender-fair language, we break outdated stereotypes, eliminate discriminatory references, and we broaden expressions. Moreover, we empower sectors and contribute to the realization of the fundamental equality of all sexes and genders,” aniya.
“May the guidebook bring light to all these unseen barriers and guide us in ensuring that the language of our laws, official communications, and even the language of our dialogues and conversations, would reflect gender fairness. More importantly, may it drive us forward with renewed passion as we continue this path to a society of inclusive voices,” dagdag nito.
Sa pamamagitan ng inisyatibang ito, ay naitakda ng Kapulungan ang gintong pamantayan para sa inklusibong kasarian ayon kay Bataan Rep. Geraldine Roman, committee on women and gender equality chairperson.
“We are not just lawmakers, we are culture-shapers and role models. By adopting gender-fair language, we are sending a clear message that every person, regardless of their gender identity or expression, deserves to be acknowledged and respected. We are not just setting the gold standard, we are redefining that gold standard,” ani Roman.
Iginiit din nito na ang guidebook ay isang gamit na nagbibigay kapangyarihan sa bawat isa na alisin ang mga balakid sa diskriminasyon at bias.
“It reminds us to be mindful of our words, to speak with empathy, and to promote a culture of equality. Let this guidebook serve as a reminder that in our pursuit of gender equality, every word counts,” dagdag nito.
Tumulong din ang Gender and Development Technical Working Group sa GDFPS sa pagpapalimbag ng guidebook.
OnlineBalita news 