Gender and Development (GAD) is a framework that views development as a
process of achieving gender equality by analyzing and transforming socially
constructed roles, power relations, and inequalities between men and
women.
It is a participatory and empowering process that ensures both men and
women can contribute to and benefit from development equally, with the
goal of a society that is equitable, sustainable, and respects human rights for
everyone.
Key policies and programs
Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710): A human rights law that seeks
to eliminate discrimination against Filipino women, particularly those
from marginalized sectors, by recognizing, protecting, and promoting
their rights.
Philippine Plan for Gender-Responsive Development (1995-
2025): A 30-year national plan that outlines the strategies and
programs government agencies must adopt to enable women to
participate in and benefit from national development.
Gender and Development (GAD) Budget: To institutionalize GAD
efforts, government agencies are required to allocate at least 5% of
their total budget to programs and projects that address gender issues.
GAD Focal Point System (GFPS): All government agencies must
establish or strengthen a GFPS to accelerate gender mainstreaming
within their organization.
Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment (GEWE) Plan
2019-2025: This plan outlines strategic actions to concretize gender
equality commitments and contribute to the goals of the Philippine
Development Plan and international commitments like the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs).
Significant gender-related laws
In addition to the Magna Carta of Women, several other laws strengthen
gender equality in the Philippines:
Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313): Penalizes gender-based sexual
harassment in streets, public spaces, online, in the workplace, and in
educational institutions.
Anti-Sexual Harassment Act (RA 7877): This law protects all
employees from sexual harassment, allowing men to file complaints
with their company's Committee on Decorum and Investigation or take
legal action.
Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act (RA
9262): Defines and criminalizes different forms of violence against
women and their children and provides protective measures for
victims.
105-Day Expanded Maternity Leave Law (RA 11210): Increases
the paid maternity leave period for female workers and provides an
additional 15 days for solo mothers.
Paternity Leave Act (\(RA\ 8187\)): This law provides fathers with paid
leave to be with their wives and families, recognizing the father's role
in childcare.
Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act (RA 11861): Grants additional
benefits and privileges to solo parents.
Anti-Mail Order Spouse Act (RA 10906): Provides stronger
measures against unlawful practices of matching Filipinos with foreign
nationals for marriage.
Recent progress and continuing challenges
While the Philippines is a regional leader in closing its gender gap, persistent
challenges remain in achieving full equality.
Progress
Strong legal framework: The country has established a robust set of
laws that promote and enforce gender equality in areas such as
property rights and political participation.
Education: As of 2024, the country achieved near-full gender parity in
educational attainment, with almost equal enrollment rates for men
and women across all levels.
Economic participation: The Philippines ranks first globally for
professional and technical workers, indicating strong gender equality in
specialized careers.
Challenges
Economic gaps: Despite progress, a persistent gender pay gap, wage
inequality, and underrepresentation of women in senior management
roles remain.
Political underrepresentation: Women continue to be
underrepresented in parliament and ministerial positions, hindering full
gender parity in leadership.
Gender-based violence: Violence against women continues to be a
concern, with a significant percentage of women aged 15-49
experiencing physical or sexual violence from a partner.
Sexual and reproductive health: Women, especially marginalized
groups, continue to face barriers to accessing sexual and reproductive
health services, with a decline in the sex ratio at birth raising concerns
about gender-based discrimination.
Under-resourced agencies: The UN has noted the government's
underinvestment in key areas for gender equality, with significant
gender data gaps remaining in fields like unpaid care work, poverty,
and women's access to assets.