Advocacy for Women and Development Starts with Education!

This Women’s Month, the Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) of the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) joins in celebrating women in and for development through its continuing commitment to gender and development education, facilitating the empowerment of women and other major stakeholders to thrive and lead across disciplines and in their communities.

On 23 April 1996, UPOU-FMDS started to offer the Diploma in Women and Development (DWD) program. At that time, only one Women and Development program existed in the Philippines: offered by UP Diliman’s College of Social Work and Community Development. The establishment of this program in the field of open and distance learning openedgreater opportunities for women across various sectors, especially for working mothers striving for expanded access to education.

As distance learning provides a cost-effective and flexible approach that helps address women’s constraints in pursuing education, the DWD program of FMDS-UPOU opens pathways to diverse career opportunities. Furthermore, the program strengthens professionals’ capacity to advocate for women and gender development initiatives. Individuals who wish to expand their horizons in gender studies, women’s concerns, and development work can apply theories and research strategies that foster meaningful impact and action toward women’s empowerment both locally and internationally.

🌟 Interested in exploring and making a meaningful impact in Women and Development?

📚 Learn more about the Diploma in Women and Development program offered by UPOU–FMDS by visiting the official page:

https://fmds.upou.edu.ph/academics/post-bac/dwd/.

📢 Applications for the First Semester, A.Y. 2026–2027 are ongoing!

📝 Start your application today through the UPOU Registrar’s website:

https://registrar.upou.edu.ph/diploma-program/.

Be part of advancing gender equality and empowering communities! 💜