Gender and Society

development perspective and process that is participatory and empowering, equitable, sustainable, free from violence, respectful of human rights, supportive of self-determination and actualization of human potentials.

Gender and Development

An international treaty adopted by the United Nations in 1979, often described as an international bill of rights for women. It aims to eliminate discrimination against women in all forms and promote gender equality.

CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women)

A global agenda for women's empowerment adopted at the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing. It identifies critical 12 areas of concern and strategic actions to advance women's rights and gender equality.

Beijing Platform for Action (1995)

One of the 17 global goals set by the United Nations in 2015, Goal 5 aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls by addressing issues such as discrimination, violence, and access to education and economic opportunities.

SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) Goal 5

A comprehensive Philippine law enacted in 2009 that promotes women's rights and eliminates discrimination against women by recognizing, protecting, and fulfilling the rights of Filipino women, especially those in marginalized sectors.

Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710)

A Philippine law enacted in 2004 that provides protection and legal remedies for women and children who are victims of violence, including physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse.

Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act (RA 9262)

Enacted in 2019 in the Philippines, this law aims to prevent and penalize sexual harassment in public spaces, workplaces, and educational institutions, promoting safe and respectful environments.

Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313) / Bawal Bastos Law

Philippine laws that criminalize human trafficking, especially of women and children, and provide protection and support for victims.

Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act (RA 9208, amended by RA 10364)

A Philippine law enacted in 2019 that extends paid maternity leave from 60 to 105 days for female workers, with additional leave for solo mothers, to support maternal and child health.

Expanded Maternity Leave Law (RA 11210)

Offers benefits and support to solo parents.

Solo Parents' Welfare Act

A Philippine law enacted in 1989 that prohibits discrimination against women, particularly in employment and education.

Prohibition on Discrimination Against Women (RA 6725)

A Philippine law that provides support and assistance to small-scale women entrepreneurs to promote their economic empowerment.

Assistance for Small-Scale Women Entrepreneurs (RA 7882)

A Philippine law that defines and penalizes sexual harassment in the workplace, educational institutions, and training environments.

Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995

A Philippine law that redefines and strengthens the legal provisions against rape, including expanding the definition and penalties.

The Anti-Rape Law of 1997

A Philippine law that provides assistance, protection, and support services to rape victims.

Rape Victim Assistance and Protection Act of 1998

An annual observance in the Philippines celebrated on March 8, coinciding with International Women's Day, to recognize and promote women's rights and achievements.

National Women's Day

usually refers to economic progress: rising GDP, industries, and infrastructure.

Growth

broader, includes health, education, human rights, equity, and sustainability.

Development

Without a gender lens, “development” often overlooks women’s specific roles and needs.

Growth and Development

usually male-dominated, and undervalues unpaid care work, often done by women.

Women and the Dominant Economic System

Women are not just passive beneficiaries but active agents of change.

However, traditional development projects often ignore local women’s voices, reinforcing inequality.

Development is more sustainable when women are involved in decision-making.

Women in Relation to Development

Immediate necessities (food, water, childcare). Address survival, but don’t challenge roles.

Practical Gender Needs

Long-term solutions that challenge gender roles and promote equality (e.g., land rights, political representation).

Strategic Gender Needs

Challenges the idea that development is neutral or "one-size-fits-all."

Pro-Women Perspectives on Development

Feminism advocates for equal rights and opportunities for women, challenging gender- based discrimination and oppression.

Equality

It seeks to dismantle systems and structures that perpetuate inequality and empower women to fully participate in society.

Social Justice

Feminism promotes women's autonomy and agency, enabling them to make choices about their lives and bodies without societal constraints.

Empowerment

Recognizing the multifaceted experiences of women, feminism embraces intersectionality, acknowledging the interplay of gender with race, class, sexuality, and other identities.

Diversity

Focuses on equal rights and opportunities within the current system. Advocates for legal and political reforms (e.g., voting rights, equal pay). Believes that gender equality can be achieved by making changes to laws and policies.

Liberal Feminism

Sees patriarchy (male domination) as the root cause of women's oppression. Believes that the current system is fundamentally flawed and needs to be completely restructured. Focuses on issues like reproductive rights, domestic violence, and sexual liberation.

Radical Feminism

Believes that women’s oppression is tied to economic inequality and capitalism. Argues that the labor of women (both paid and unpaid, like housework) is exploited under capitalism. Proposes that dismantling capitalism would also free women from exploitation.

Marxist Feminism

The interconnectedness of various forms of oppression (e.g., race, class, gender). Recognizes that women experience oppression differently depending on factors like race, class, sexuality, and disability. Emphasizes that the struggles of marginalized women (e.g., women of color, LGBTQ+ women) must be central to feminist movements.

Intersectional Feminism

Focus on suffrage and legal rights.

First Wave (1848–1920s)

Focus on workplace equality, reproductive rights, and domestic violence.

Second Wave (1960s–1980s)

Focus on intersectionality, individualism, and diversity.

Third Wave (1990s–2000s)

Characterized by the rise of online activism, social media platforms, and a focus on issues like sexual harassment and online abuse.

Fourth Wave (2010s–Present)