Conversations on gender, equity, and social transformation converged with renewed momentum as the University of the Philippines Cebu hosted the Women’s and Gender Studies Association of the Philippines – WSAP Annual International Conference 2025 on November 13–14. Guided by the theme “Reimagining Gender: Beyond the Discourse of Development and Localization,” the gathering brought together scholars, advocates, and policymakers who are actively shaping the direction of gender studies and its role in society.
The conference opened meaningful spaces for dialogue on gender and development, representation and power, cultural perspectives, and the intersections of policy, governance, and lived experiences. Its parallel sessions and online presentations featured a wide range of feminist research and community-grounded initiatives, from inquiries on labor and care to studies on identity and performance, innovations in gender education, and local knowledge systems that inform peacebuilding and inclusion.
These varied contributions showed how feminist scholarship continues to grow, offering insights that inform institutions, communities, and everyday life. As WSAP continues to advance gender-focused academic work and foster critical dialogue, the conference also reflected commitments that resonate with UP Cebu’s longstanding values of honor, excellence, and service.