By Ana Mae B. Cantel

Online participants of the “Women in Libraries” program.

The Master of Library and Information Science Program under the School of Graduate Studies sponsored an online discussion on “Women in Libraries” to celebrate the 2022 National Women’s Month with the theme We Make Change Work for Women with a sub-theme: “Agenda ng Kababaihan, Tungo sa Kaunlaran” last March 31, 2022.

The program was officially opened by Dr. Rowena M. Libo-on, Dean, School of Graduate Studies with an encouragement to women librarians to continuously innovate in adapting library services.

The discussion celebrated the roles of women in libraries in various areas: in social, economic, cultural, and political arenas. According to Dr. Reysa Alenzuela, one of the invited speakers and our part-time MLIS faculty member, Women’s Month marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity, and to share about experiences of women in libraries that break the bias of gender stereotyping and an avenue to share personal experiences and that of fellow librarians in acting towards social justice and inclusivity.

Hon. Lourdes T. David, Member, Professional Regulatory Board for Filipino Librarians – Professional Regulatory Commission discussed the Gender Parity in Libraries. She presented data that describes the Gender Gap in the Library Work Force in the national and international contexts. She also discussed the initiatives in breaking the stereotyping of librarians and challenged the librarians to make themselves visible and be significant to the community.

The program was virtually attended by 191 Librarians, LIS Faculty members, library staff, and LIS students from the Philippines and even abroad. It was broadcasted live via the MLIS Centralian Facebook page.

This 2022 National Women’s Month celebration ended with closing remarks given by Ms. Pauleen de los Santos, MLIS Student Council Officer. To God be the glory for the success of this endeavor.