Forging Pathways: The Genesis of RGAN XI and the Gender Research and Policy Journal

Abstract

Regional academic networks and scholarly publishing are increasingly recognized as essential mechanisms for advancing evidence-based gender governance through collaboration, knowledge generation, and policy engagement. This communication examines the establishment of the Region XI Gender and Development Advocates Network (RGAN XI) and the subsequent launch of the Gender Research and Policy Journal (GRPJ) as complementary institutional initiatives supporting gender-responsive research and policymaking in the Davao Region, Philippines. Anchored on national gender and development (GAD) policies and international commitments to gender equality, RGAN XI was created to strengthen collaboration among higher education institutions, researchers, practitioners, and policymakers while enhancing regional capacities for gender mainstreaming. Building upon this collaborative platform, GRPJ serves as a peer-reviewed venue for disseminating research and policy-oriented scholarship that informs institutional practice and evidence-based decision-making. Together, these initiatives demonstrate a mutually reinforcing ecosystem in which collaborative networks identify research priorities, build institutional partnerships, and strengthen research capacity, while scholarly publishing translates knowledge into evidence that supports advocacy and policy development. The RGAN XI–GRPJ model illustrates how integrating regional collaboration with scientific publishing can strengthen knowledge mobilization, foster interdisciplinary partnerships, and promote more inclusive and evidence-informed governance. These experiences offer a replicable framework for other regions seeking to institutionalize sustainable, research-driven approaches to gender and development.

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