PAMPANGA STATE UNIVERSITY This critique laid the foundation for feminist development

Bacolor - Main Campus scholarship.

College of Social Sciences and Philosophy
Department of Social Work 1970s (Women in Development)

SW A2 - PHILIPPINE SOCIAL REALITY AND SOCIAL The Women in Development (WID) approach emerged
as the first major effort to address women’s exclusion
WORK
from mainstream development thinking. This shift was
catalyzed by international efforts such as the United
GLOBAL CONCEPTS AND ITS IMPACT TO Nations International Women’s Year (1975) and the
PHILIPPINE SOCIETY (PART 2) subsequent UN Decade for Women (1976–1985),
which included the landmark World Conference on
GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT (GAD) Women in Mexico City in 1975. These global events
institutionalized the concern that development processes
were systematically overlooking half of the population ,
It is a development perspective and process that is
women, and highlighted the need to integrate them into
participatory and empowering, equitable, sustainable, development planning and policy.
free from violence, respectful of human rights, supportive
of self-determination and actualization of human WID argued that:
potential. It seeks to achieve gender equality as a
fundamental value that should be reflected in ●​ Women were excluded from development
development choices and contends that women are planning
●​ Women needed integration into economic
active agents of development, not just passive recipients programs
of development (Section 4 of R.A. 9710) ●​ Development failed because it ignored women’s
productive roles
GAD is an analytical tool and planning framework that
identifies the social roles and power relations between The WID approach was an important first step in gender
genders, distinguishing between practical needs (basic and development scholarship, bringing women’s
needs related to daily survival) and strategic needs economic contributions into policy discourse. However,
its emphasis on inclusion within prevailing development
(needs that challenge power inequalities) to formulate frameworks, rather than its transformation, prompted
development interventions. (Moser, 1993) later scholars to develop more relational and structural
approaches such as Women and Development (WAD)
GAD involves understanding how institutions such as and ultimately Gender and Development (GAD).
households, markets, and states produce and reproduce
gender inequalities, and aims to restructure these 1980s (Women and Development)
systems to expand women’s and other marginalized
The Women and Development (WAD) approach
groups’ agency and choice (Kabeer, 1994)
developed in the late 1970s and 1980s and was
influenced by Marxist and dependency theories. WAD
GAD is an approach that integrates gender equality scholars argued that women had always been part of
goals into development planning, policy, and development processes but were systematically
programming, with a focus on transformation of unequal exploited by global capitalist systems. Drawing from
power relations and promotion of equitable rights and Marxist theory, scholars emphasized how capitalism
relies on both paid and unpaid labor, including women's
opportunities (UNDP)
domestic and reproductive work, to sustain economic
production. Meanwhile, dependency theory highlighted
HISTORY OF GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT how developing countries, and the women within them,
were structurally disadvantaged by unequal economic
1950s to 1960s (Women Invisible in Development) relationships with wealthier nations.

Society treated households as gender-neutral units. WAD highlighted how women's labor, especially in
Women’s unpaid labor and care work were largely informal and unpaid sectors, was essential to the global
economy. However, the approach was criticized for
ignored.
focusing heavily on economic structures while paying
less attention to gender relations within households and
In Woman’s Role in Economic Development by Ester institutions.
Boserup (1970), she showed that modernization policies
often displaced women from productive agricultural Late 1980s to 1990s (Gender and Development)
roles.
The Gender and Development (GAD) framework
Scholars argued that development policies assumed: emerged in the late 1980s as a response to the
limitations of Women in Development (WID) and Women
●​ The male breadwinner model and Development (WAD). Instead of focusing only on
women, GAD examines gender relations, highlighting
●​ Women as dependents how social roles and power relations between men and
●​ Domestic labor as “non-productive”, hence, women influence development outcomes. It emphasizes
ignored and undervalued the need to transform unequal power structures in
●​ Women are not given the same opportunity as households, communities, and institutions.
men (economic, socio-political, cultural)
Global support for GAD strengthened during the Fourth
World Conference on Women in 1995, where
governments and organizations discussed major issues
affecting women, including poverty, education, violence, Spanish Colonial Period (1565–1898)
and unequal participation in decision-making. The
conference produced the Beijing Platform for Action, ●​ Introduction of patriarchal systems reduced
which identified key priority areas and became a global women’s social and political participation.​
framework for promoting gender equality, women’s
empowerment, and gender mainstreaming in ●​ Women’s roles are largely confined to domestic
development policies. and religious spheres.

PROGRESS IN GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT Early 1900s – Women’s Movements

(GLOBAL)
●​ Women advocated for education, civil rights, and
Expansion of Gender Equality Policies​ political participation.​
Many countries adopted laws and policies promoting
gender equality, including anti-discrimination laws in ●​ 1937: Women won the right to vote, marking a
employment, education, and political participation. These milestone in political inclusion.
reforms aimed to strengthen women’s rights and
improve gender-responsive governance. 1970s–1980s – Women in Development (WID)

Gender Mainstreaming in Development Programs​ ●​ Philippine policies began recognizing women’s

Governments and international organizations began role in development.​
integrating gender perspectives into development
planning, budgeting, and policymaking. Gender ●​ Programs focused on integrating women into
mainstreaming became a central strategy in achieving economic, educational, and social projects.
gender equality and sustainable development.
1990s – Institutionalization of GAD
Improvement in Women’s Education​
Global efforts increased girls’ access to primary and ●​ Republic Act 7192 (1992): Women in
secondary education, helping reduce gender gaps in Development and Nation-Building Act mandated
school enrollment and literacy in many regions. integration of women in development programs.​

Advances in Women’s Health and Reproductive ●​ 1993: National guidelines created to mainstream
Rights​ gender perspectives in government planning.
Significant progress has been made in improving
maternal health services, reducing maternal mortality, Post‑1995 – Beijing Platform for Action & Gender
and expanding access to reproductive health care for Mainstreaming
women.
●​ Adoption of global commitments from the 1995
Greater Participation of Women in Politics and Beijing Conference strengthened GAD policies.​
Leadership​
More women have entered political leadership roles, ●​ Republic Act 9710 (Magna Carta of Women,
government institutions, and decision-making positions, 2009) institutionalized women’s rights and
although representation still varies widely across gender equality.​
countries.
●​ GAD programs now cover education, health,
Stronger Global Movements Against Violence governance, and local development, promoting
Against Women​ women’s empowerment and equal participation.
International advocacy and legal reforms have increased
recognition of gender-based violence as a global human IMPACT OF GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT IN
rights issue, leading to stronger policies and protection PHILIPPINE SOCIETY
mechanisms.
Positive Impacts
Integration with the Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs)​ 1. Improved Gender Equality Indicators
Gender equality became a central global goal,
particularly through Sustainable Development Goal 5, The Philippines has made significant progress in closing
which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all gender gaps, particularly in education and health. Girls
women and girls. and women now have better access to schooling, higher
literacy rates, and improved maternal and reproductive
Continuing Challenges and Inequalities​ health services. These improvements contribute to
Despite progress, gender inequality remains persistent broader social development by enabling women to
in many areas such as wage gaps, unpaid care work, participate more fully in economic and civic life. Overall,
and limited economic opportunities for women. better gender equality indicators reflect growing
recognition of women’s rights and capabilities in society.
HISTORY OF GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE
PHILIPPINES 2. Greater Women’s Participation in the Workforce
Pre‑colonial Period Women’s participation in the workforce has increased,
particularly in rural and marginalized areas. Studies
●​ Women held high social status: could own show that women’s employment helps reduce household
property, trade, and serve as community leaders poverty and enhances human development outcomes.
(babaylan).​ Economic empowerment also gives women greater
autonomy and decision-making power within families
●​ Gender roles were complementary, with men and communities. However, continued support is needed
and women sharing responsibilities. to ensure fair wages and safe working conditions.
 undermines efforts to empower women fully in political,
economic, and social spheres.
3. Institutionalization of Gender‑Responsive Policies
4. Limited Integration in Crisis Policies
The Philippine government has implemented laws and
programs that institutionalize gender-responsive Research during crises, such as natural disasters or the
planning across sectors. Policies such as gender COVID-19 pandemic, indicates that policies often fail to
mainstreaming frameworks in schools, government account for women’s specific needs. Women are
agencies, and local governments promote awareness of disproportionately affected by caregiving responsibilities,
gender issues and provide tools to address inequalities. job losses, and vulnerabilities during emergencies.
These initiatives support programs that prevent violence Without a gender-responsive approach, development
against women, ensure equitable access to education, and disaster programs risk reinforcing inequalities
and improve participation in development projects. instead of alleviating them.
Institutionalization helps sustain GAD objectives beyond
individual programs or short-term projects. 5. Ongoing Economic and Workplace Inequality

4. Support for Women’s Health and Safety Despite legal frameworks supporting equality, gaps
remain in wages, promotions, and leadership
GAD initiatives have expanded access to health services opportunities for women. Women often face “glass
and addressed violence against women. Programs ceilings” in professional careers and continue to carry a
include reproductive health services, maternal care, and disproportionate share of unpaid care and domestic
community-based interventions to prevent abuse. work. These economic inequalities limit women’s full
Research shows that such initiatives not only improve participation in society and highlight the ongoing
women’s physical and mental health but also strengthen challenges for GAD initiatives.
family and community well-being. By prioritizing
women’s safety and health, these policies reinforce the GOVERNMENT’S ACTIONS TO ADDRESS THE
social and economic participation of women. CHALLENGES ON GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT

5. Increased Focus on Gender‑Responsive Planning Strengthened Gender Mainstreaming Framework

Development programs in the Philippines are The government continues to reinforce gender
increasingly designed with gender considerations in mainstreaming as the mandated strategy across all
mind. Recognizing differences in men’s and women’s levels of national governance, as reaffirmed by the
needs such as access to resources, childcare, or income Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) in its 2025
opportunities improves the effectiveness and equity of Memorandum Circular. This policy ensures that gender
policies. For example, incorporating gender perspectives perspectives are integrated into every stage of planning,
in MSME support programs or disaster response budgeting, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of
ensures that women benefit fairly from development government programs. It also emphasizes inclusion of
initiatives. Gender-responsive planning helps make intersectional concerns such as disability, ethnicity, and
development more inclusive, sustainable, and age so gender policy responses are more
context-sensitive. comprehensive and equitable.

Negative Impacts Increased Budget Allocation for GAD Initiatives

1. Persistent Gender Norms and Cultural Barriers Government agencies are allocating a higher share of
the national budget toward GAD programs, with reports
Despite policy reforms, traditional gender roles and indicating that about 16.68% of the 2023 national budget
cultural expectations continue to limit women’s was directed to gender and development projects well
opportunities in education, work, and leadership. Social above the mandated minimum of 5%. This includes
norms often prioritize men in decision-making or programs promoting women’s economic empowerment,
economic activities, reinforcing inequality in both public social protection (e.g., the 4Ps), and support during
and private spheres. These deeply rooted attitudes crises such as climate disasters.
make it challenging to fully achieve the goals of GAD
programs, as changing mindsets often lags behind policy Gender‑Responsive Planning in Poverty Reduction
changes.
The government has integrated gender perspectives into
2. Incomplete Policy Implementation national development and poverty reduction programs
such as the Philippine Development Plan and the
Although gender-responsive policies exist in government Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE)
and institutions, many programs are not fully Plan. This integration focuses on increasing economic
implemented due to limited resources, training, or participation, improving access to services for
monitoring. Some agencies may adopt GAD guidelines disadvantaged women and girls, and supporting
formally but fail to translate them into practical actions. resilience and inclusion outcomes.
This gap reduces the effectiveness of policies and can
slow progress toward true gender equality in society. Capacity‑Building and Technical Assistance for
Gender Integration
3. Gender Bias in Recognition and Representation
PCW and other agencies have provided training,
Studies show that women are still underrepresented in technical assistance, and online resources to
leadership positions, awards, and recognition systems government staff and local gender focal point systems to
across sectors. Even where women participate, they strengthen their ability to implement gender‑responsive
may face stereotypes or bias that limit their influence or policies and programs. These efforts support
visibility. This structural bias reinforces inequality and improvements in policy design and data use (e.g.,
sex‑disaggregated data), which helps close gaps in 1992: Rio Earth Summit
implementation.
The United Nations Conference on Environment and
Sector‑Specific Gender Mainstreaming Efforts Development (UNCED) held in Rio de Janeiro produced
Agenda 21, a global action plan for sustainable
Various national bodies, such as the Department of development.
Science and Technology (DOST) and the National
Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP), have This period emphasized the three pillars of sustainable
expanded gender mainstreaming in specialized areas development:
like science, technology, and research. These include
capacity‑building, gender equity initiatives in STEM ●​ Environmental protection​
fields, and targeted programs to encourage women’s
participation and leadership in research and innovation. ●​ Economic development​

Support for Evidence‑Based Policies on Gender ●​ Social equity

Violence
2000–2015: Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)
Government research councils partner with PCW and
civil society in campaigns like the 18‑Day Campaign to In 2000, the United Nations introduced 8 Millennium
End Violence Against Women and Children, generating Development Goals aimed at reducing global poverty
data that informs prevention programs and and improving health, education, and gender equality by
survivor‑centered responses. This evidence base 2015.
supports improved policy design and community
interventions aimed at reducing violence. Achievements of the MDGs include:

Local Implementation and Monitoring Efforts ●​ Reduction of extreme poverty​

Studies show that at regional and local levels, agencies ●​ Improvements in access to education​
and gender and development committees are actively
implementing GAD planning and budgeting ●​ Better global health outcomes​
requirements. Awareness of gender equality laws is
high, and stakeholders generally support gender equality
and prevention of gender‑based violence, though gaps However, some global challenges remained unresolved,
remain in technical capacity and resource allocation. including inequality and climate change.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

2015: Adoption of the Sustainable Development
​The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set Goals
of 17 global goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015
to address major global challenges such as poverty, In September 2015, all United Nations member states
inequality, climate change, environmental protection, adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,
peace, and prosperity. The goals aim to achieve which includes:
sustainable development by 2030 under the principle
“Leave No One Behind.” ●​ 17 Sustainable Development Goals​

TIMELINE OF SDG DEVELOPMENT ●​ 169 targets​

●​ A universal framework for all countries

1970s: Beginning of Environmental Awareness
SDG OBJECTIVES
●​ Growing global concern about environmental
problems and resource depletion.​ The SDGs aim to:

●​ International discussions began on balancing ●​ End poverty and hunger worldwide​

economic growth and environmental protection.​
●​ Protect the environment and natural resources​
●​ Studies such as The Limits to Growth
highlighted the consequences of unsustainable ●​ Promote economic growth and decent work​
development.
●​ Ensure access to education, health care, and
1987: The Brundtland Report clean water​

●​ Reduce inequality and promote gender equality​

The Brundtland Commission introduced the widely
accepted definition of sustainable development in the
●​ Promote peace, justice, and strong institutions​
report “Our Common Future.”
●​ Strengthen global partnerships to achieve
Sustainable development means that meets the needs
sustainable development
of the present without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their own needs.
Overall, the SDGs seek to balance economic
development, social well-being, and environmental
This concept became the foundation of modern
protection, ensuring that development today does not
sustainability policies.
harm future generations.
IMPACT OF SDG IN PHILIPPINE SOCIETY

1. Improved Community Development and Livelihood Programs

Research on community extension projects of Philippine State Universities and Colleges shows that
SDG-related initiatives help improve community development and economic empowerment in local areas.
Programs such as skills training, livelihood projects, and social services support marginalized
communities and help them become more self-sufficient. These initiatives contribute to poverty reduction
and improved quality of life for many Filipinos.

2. Strengthening Education and Awareness of Sustainability

Studies on higher education institutions in the Philippines show that integrating SDGs into university
instruction helps raise awareness about sustainability among students and educators. Schools
incorporate sustainability topics into courses, research, and community activities to prepare students to
address social and environmental issues. This helps develop a generation that is more aware of
sustainable development and responsible citizenship.

3. Promotion of Renewable Energy and Sustainable Infrastructure

Research on renewable energy projects in the Philippines shows that sustainable energy initiatives help
support local development, especially in remote island communities. Access to renewable energy
improves services such as education, communication, and healthcare by providing more reliable
electricity. These efforts support SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) while also improving living
conditions and economic opportunities.

4. Governance Improvements and Institutional Accountability

Studies on the implementation of SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) highlight the
importance of transparent governance and effective institutions in national development. Efforts to
strengthen justice systems, transparency, and accountability aim to create more inclusive and stable
societies. These reforms are essential for long-term sustainable development in the Philippines.
CHALLENGES OF SDG IMPLEMENTATION IN THE PHILIPPINES

1. Persistent Poverty and Inequality

Despite development programs, poverty and inequality remain major challenges in the Philippines.
Studies show that many rural communities still experience limited access to education, healthcare, and
economic opportunities. These inequalities make it difficult to fully achieve SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG
10 (Reduced Inequalities), especially in remote and marginalized areas.

2. Vulnerability to Climate Change and Natural Disasters

Research highlights that the Philippines is one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world due
to frequent typhoons, floods, and rising sea levels. These environmental risks threaten agriculture,
infrastructure, and livelihoods, making it harder to achieve sustainability goals. This challenge directly
affects the implementation of SDG 13 (Climate Action) and other environmental goals.

3. Limited Financial and Institutional Resources

Several studies note that implementing the SDGs requires significant funding, strong governance
systems, and coordinated national policies. In the Philippines, limited financial resources and uneven
capacity among government institutions can slow down progress. This affects the implementation of
multiple SDGs, particularly those requiring large infrastructure and social investments.

4. Governance Issues and Policy Coordination

Research also shows that policy fragmentation and governance challenges can affect SDG
implementation. Coordination between national government agencies, local government units, and private
sectors is sometimes inconsistent. This can lead to delays or inefficiencies in implementing sustainable
development programs.

5. Lack of Public Awareness and Community Participation

Another challenge is the limited awareness of SDGs among the general public and some local
communities. Studies indicate that many citizens are not fully familiar with the goals or how they relate to
daily life and community development. Without strong community participation and awareness, it
becomes more difficult to implement SDG initiatives effectively.

GOVERNMENT’S ACTIONS TO ADDRESS SDG CHALLENGES

1. Integration of SDGs into National Development Plans

The Philippine government integrated the SDGs into national development strategies through the
Philippine Development Plan (PDP) and AmBisyon Natin 2040. Government agencies coordinate
through the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) to align policies and programs
with the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. Inter-agency committees and technical working groups
were created to ensure coordinated implementation of SDG-related policies.

2. Voluntary National Reviews and Monitoring Systems

The Philippines conducts Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) to assess the country’s progress in
achieving the SDGs. These reports monitor development indicators, identify challenges, and recommend
policy improvements for sustainable development. The review process also encourages transparency and
accountability in government programs.

3. Localization of SDGs through Local Government Units (LGUs)

The government promotes the localization of SDGs, where local governments integrate the goals into
community development plans. Programs such as NEDA’s “Localize to Realize” that help LGUs design
inclusive policies for vulnerable groups such as women, indigenous peoples, and informal settlers. This
initiative strengthens community participation and ensures that SDG implementation responds to local
needs

4. Environmental Protection and Blue Economy Programs

To address climate change and environmental degradation, the government promotes sustainable
resource management and marine protection. Programs supporting a sustainable blue economy aim to
reduce plastic pollution, protect marine ecosystems, and promote sustainable fisheries and coastal
development. These initiatives strengthen climate resilience and environmental sustainability in the
country.

5. Strengthening Governance and Institutional Systems

Government initiatives also focus on improving governance and strengthening institutions to support SDG
implementation. Collaboration among government agencies, civil society organizations, and international
partners helps improve justice systems, policy coordination, and public services. These efforts support
SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and enhance transparency and accountability in
governance.