The University of Guam held a Women and Gender Political Candidate Forum at the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences Lecture Hall on Oct. 26. The forum discussed issues of gender and diversity on Guam.

Senator Judith Won Pat and senatorial candidates Regine Biscoe Lee, Louise Borja Muna, and Amanda Francel Blas, and Dededo Mayor Melissa Savares participated in the forum and answered questions provided by the students of Women and Gender Studies.

Elizabeth Bowman, Ph.D., assistant professor of comparative literature and director of the Women and Gender Studies Center felt that the event was important in fostering an awareness of the issues that women face in society.

“This is a chance in a more intimate environment because we are only having a small number of candidates,” Bowman said. It’s a chance for people to hear about the issues that specially address women and queer people.”

Student moderators Julianne Hernandez and Norielyn O’Connor presented the questions to the candidates.

Questions covered the candidates’ positions on sexual education, paternity leave, breastfeeding in the workplace, educational outreach on the Nana yan Patgon Act, daycare at UOG/GCC, the UOG sexual conduct, women’s reproductive rights, social pressures for LGBTQ, and the island’s political status.

The candidates agreed on all the issues and discussed the problems on what should be resolved.

Senatorial candidate Amanda Francel Blas discussed her support for establishing daycare centers at UOG/GCC.

“I don’t think parents, mom or dad, should have to feel that they have to sacrifice their education. Being a parent isn’t full-time or part-time. It’s all the time. It’s you and I think we should help these parents, who are trying to make a life better for themselves and better for their children.” Blas said, as she continued on what she believes can be provided for students. “This daycare will help benefit, not only the community, but for fellow students and I think that our UOG students will definitely look forward to that. I am sure you want to be the best individual for your child.”

The candidates were also made aware of a recent UOG sexual misconduct case, where a professor is alleged to have sexually assaulted two female students off campus.

Senator candidate Regine Biscoe Lee opened by discussing UOG’s new policy on amorous relations between professors and undergraduate students.

“We want to make sure that we establish relationships between our professors and students and really make sure that’s a very clear cut, so everybody understands going forward,” Blas said .

The event helped inform UOG students on the issues. Bowman expressed that education helps empower women.