Advancing Healthcare Education and Gender Equality Through Global Collaboration
📅 August 23, 2024
📍 Ruteng, Indonesia
The University of the Cordilleras College of Nursing (UC-CON) and Universitas Katolik Indonesia Santu Paulus Ruteng (Indonesian Catholic University of Saint Paul Ruteng) formalized a significant academic partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement represents a shared commitment to advancing healthcare education through student and faculty exchanges, collaborative research, and joint community health initiatives.
The MoU was officially signed by Dr. Nancy M. Flores, President of the University of the Cordilleras, and David Djerubu, S.Fil., M.A., Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at Universitas Katolik Indonesia Santu Paulus Ruteng, with Dr. Judith Odanee G. Magwilang, UC-CON Dean, serving as a key witness. Nursing students and faculty from the Indonesian university attended the ceremony, symbolizing the partnership’s immediate academic and cultural impact.
Following the MoU signing, Dr. Magwilang delivered the keynote address at the International Seminar on Trends and Issues in Maternal and Child Health Education: Indonesia and the Philippines, held at the De Lelis Faculty of Health building. The seminar focused on innovations and challenges in maternal and child health education, with active participation from nursing students and educators from both countries.
In her keynote, Dr. Magwilang discussed gender equality and its pivotal role in shaping maternal and child health practices in the Philippines. She emphasized the importance of empowering women through access to quality healthcare and education, key to improving maternal and child health outcomes. She also shared Philippine best practices in maternal and child care, underscoring inclusive and community-based approaches that foster health equity and social empowerment.
This collaboration highlights UC-CON’s commitment to promoting global academic partnerships, enhancing cross-cultural learning, and strengthening the nursing profession through research, education, and advocacy.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Alignment
This initiative contributes to multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
SDG 17.17 – Strengthen partnerships for sustainable development.
The MoU highlights global collaboration between academic institutions, fostering innovation and collective progress in healthcare education.
SDG 3.1 – Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
By addressing maternal and child health education, the partnership strengthens capacity for improved health outcomes in communities.
SDG 4.3 – Ensure equal access to affordable and quality education.
Through academic exchange, joint research, and faculty development, both institutions promote equitable opportunities for nursing education and training.
SDG 5.6 – Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
Dr. Magwilang’s keynote emphasized the empowerment of women in healthcare, linking gender equality to improved family and community health.
