Name: JOSEPHINE A.

DEYSOLONG
Date: March 4, 2023
Course and Year: DM - II
Subject: Gender and Development
Professor: Mark Raymond S. Tan, LPT, EdD
Date Assigned: March 4, 2023
Submission Date: March 6, 2023
Type of Activity: Asynchronous Activity 1

Activity 1:
Concept Building

Directions: Read and understand the activity below.

• Gender and development focuses on mainstreaming or strategizing

gender issues and experiences as a central dimension of designing,
implementating, monitoring, and evaluating the policies, programs and
projects in all social, political, civil, and economic areas so that women and
men benefit equally.
• This part of the activity will ask you to explore and understand the
challenges and issues on Gender and Development.
• Specifically, you are asked to identify and explain the at least three (3) key
gender issues that you would seek to address. Show the specific strategies
that you would use in addressing those issues.
• Issues on Gender and Development may include but are not limited to:
o Gender Equality and Human Rights
o Disparity in Access to Resources between Men and Women
o Limited Access to Health and Education among Men and Women
o Economic Opportunities and Availability of Jobs for either Men and
Women
o Gender-based Violence
o Insufficient Laws and Regulations for the Protection of Men’s and
Women’s Rights
• SUPPORT/ SUBSTANTIATE YOUR ANSWERS BY PROVIDING MORE DETAILS/
DISCUSSION ABOUT THE ISSUES; BUILD A STRONG ARGUMENT.
Reminder: You can cite references but make sure you paraphrase their
statements, quotations, or assertions to avoid plagiarism issues. However, laws
such as Republic Acts and Presidential Decrees and government orders such as
CHED and DepEd memorandum orders may be stated verbatim.

You must turn in your coursework on or before 11:59 PM on March 6, 2023. Failure
to submit the output on time may correspond to deductions such as

1 – 3 hour/s late – Minus 5 points

4 – 6 hours late – Minus 10 points
7 – 9 hours late – Minus 15 points
10 – 12 hours late – Minus 20 points
12 ours and beyond – Non-acceptance of the Output

Good luck!

Start writing here

→ Challenges and issues on Gender and Development:
1. Gender Equality and Human Rights

Challenges and Issues: Misogynistic attacks faced by Women Human

Rights Defenders (WHRDs)

Misogynistic (strongly prejudiced against women) group attacking WHRDs

is one of the challenges faced by human rights defenders. WHRDs
organization is susceptible to danger and lack due access to justice.

Discrimination against women is incited by today’s rising fundamentalisms

of all kinds, political populism, unchecked authoritarian rule and
uncontrolled greed, which altogether deepened the obstacles defenders
face (OHCHR, n.d.).

Specific Strategies:

1. Strengthen protection networks for women human rights defenders to

combat discrimination.
1.1. Encourage countries to critically assess their progress in
implementing resolutions related to women, gender-based
discrimination and violence and women's defenders, including
the 2013 General Assembly WHRD resolution, especially in
situations involving non-state actors;
 1.2. Calls on the states to create and ensure an enabling
environment for women human rights defenders and their
organizations to exercise their legal rights to freedom of
association, expression and assembly and continue to protect
their rights and those of their constituents. Allocating political
and economic resources to reinforce and legitimize the work of
women human rights defenders;

2. UN’s growing engagement in the protection of WHRDs against reprisals

2.1. Recognize and support the work of the WHRD, especially

recognizing their work politically and legally
2.2. Recognizes that WRDH includes women in NGOs, labor rights,
land rights, cultural rights, SRHR, collective rights and people's
movements
2.3. Strengthens defense mechanisms and programs.
2.4. Improve access to justice and end impunity.
2.5. improve the implementation of its human rights obligations in
countries.
2.6. Improve consistency between international documents.
2.7. Facilitate cooperation between regional and international
bodies.

The UN draws attention to the risks and vulnerabilities of HRRD

organizations, especially environmental organizations, related to minority
rights, LGBT rights, and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).
Physical abuse is a particular challenge and denial of medical care,
humiliating searches, intimidation of their families and communities, public
defamation and attacks on their "honour", arbitrary arrests, sexual and
gender-based violence and murder (OHCHR, n.d.). In addition to these,
the U.N. also asked for concern about WRDH of being rejected and re-
victimized if these acts of violence are reported.

References:

OHCHR. (n.d.). Tackling the challenges faced by women human rights

defenders through a gender lens. https://www.ohchr.org/en/special-
procedures/wg-women-and-girls/tackling-challenges-faced-women-
human-rights-defenders-through-gender-lens

2. Economic Opportunities and Availability of Jobs for either Men and

Women

Challenges and Issues: The gender gap in employment

Around the world, women find it much more difficult to find work than
men. When women do work, they tend to work in low-quality jobs under
vulnerable conditions, with little prospect of improvement in the near
future. Women who want to work have a harder time finding work than
men. This problem is particularly evident in North Africa and Arab
countries, where female unemployment rates exceed 20 percent.
Although vulnerable work is widespread among both women and men,
women are overrepresented in certain types of vulnerable work: men are
more likely to be self-employed, while women help in the household or at
work. businesses of their relatives.

Freedom to work - as you choose, under decent, safe and fair conditions -
is an essential part of human well-being. For women, securing this right is
an important goal in itself. From an economic perspective, closing the
gender gap in labor force participation could significantly increase global
GDP. Regions with the highest gender inequality would greatly benefit
from economic growth. The average annual GDP growth of many
developed countries would also accelerate, which is significant when
economic growth is close to zero (The Gender Gap in Employment:
What’s Holding Women Back?, n.d.).

Women's gender roles and pressures to conform to those roles vary across
regions, religions and households. One way of pressure to conform is
through marital status. For example, in developed and emerging
economies, women with a spouse or partner are less likely to work or
actively seek paid work. This can often be due to the financial stability of
the partner's income, which can reinforce the so-called male
breadwinner bias in some marriage arrangements. In developing
countries, the situation is reversed: the economic needs of the region give
all women little choice but to work, regardless of marital status.

Specific Strategies:

1. Achieve equal pay.

The principle of equal pay for equal work must be protected in law
and promoted in practice. Better wage transparency and gender-
neutral job evaluation can help achieve this goal, in addition to
strengthening existing systems such as the minimum wage and
collective bargaining.

2. Tackle occupational segregation.

 Women tend to be overrepresented in professions that are considered
low quality and "low value", especially in care tasks. Preconceptions
about the value of certain types of work can be challenged through
training, information and job evaluation systems.

3. Eliminate discrimination.

Many countries have specific legislation to combat gender

discrimination and harassment in the workplace. While this is important,
it is not enough. Complementary measures such as effective legal
measures, dissuasive sanctions, equal rights bodies and general
information campaigns are key to eliminating discrimination.

4. Promote work-family balance.

Many women and men do not have access to adequate maternity

and maternity protection, paid paternity and parental leave, and
other basic social protection measures. Policy reforms should consider
that women currently do most of the unpaid family and domestic
work.

5. Create quality care jobs

The female-dominated nursing profession has a long history of poor

regulation and protection. It is essential to promote decent work
among care professionals, including domestic workers and migrant
workers. At the same time, the over-reliance on unpaid care work
should be reduced and redistributed through the development of
public services and social infrastructure.

6. Guard against downturns.

Women are disproportionately affected by the economic crisis as they

are more likely to be in precarious and informal employment.
Protective measures against the effects of the recession need to be
complemented by gender-sensitive policies, including efforts to
normalize employment in the informal economy.

References:

The gender gap in employment: What’s holding women back? (n.d.).

InfoStories. https://www.ilo.org/infostories/en-
GB/Stories/Employment/barriers-women#gender-gap-matters
3. Gender-based Violence

Challenges and Issues: Domestic Violence

Two hundred forty-three (243) million women and girls worldwide were
abused by intimate partners, even before COVID-19 hit us. The COVID-19
pandemic has exacerbated violence, even as support services have
stalled and access to help has become more difficult. On the occasion of
the annual 16-Day Movement Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence
(25 November – 10 December), UN Women brought together survivors,
activists, decision makers, the United Nations system and people from all
walks of life. join the people of Highlighting the need for funding, essential
services, prevention and data to provide a more informed response (Take
Action: 10 Ways You Can Help End Violence Against Women, Even During
a Pandemic, 2020).

Ending violence against women is everyone’s business.

Specific Strategies:

1. Listen to and believe survivors.

When a woman shares her story of violence, she takes the first step
towards breaking the cycle of abuse. It is the responsibility of all of us to
give her the safe space she needs to speak up and be heard.
When discussing cases of sexual violence, it is important to remember
that the victim's drinking, dress, and sexuality are irrelevant. The
perpetrator is the sole cause of bodily injury and must be held solely
responsible. It calls out the victim-blame game and challenges the
notion that it's up to women to avoid situations that might be considered
"dangerous" by traditional standards. Survivors of violence are speaking
out more than ever, and everyone has a role to play in achieving justice.

2. Teach the next generation and learn from them.

The examples we give to younger generations shape their views on

gender, respect and human rights. Start discussing gender roles early
and challenge traditional traits and characteristics attributed to men
and women. Point out the stereotypes children constantly encounter,
whether in the media, on the street, or at school, and show them that
it's okay to be different. Cultivate a culture of acceptance.

3. Call for responses and services fit for purpose.

 Survival services are essential services. This means that shelters, hotlines,
counseling and all support for survivors of gender-based violence must
be made available to those in need, even during the coronavirus
pandemic increase. Each year, the 16 Days of Activism campaign calls
for united global action to end all forms of violence against women and
girls. The UN, together with partners, calls for his four key actions
summarized in the 2020 campaign theme (OHCHR, n.d.-b). Urge
governments to eliminate funding gaps in addressing violence against
women and girls, ensure the maintenance of essential services for
survivors of violence during this crisis, implement preventive measures
and adapt life-saving services. and to invest in collecting the data
necessary for improvement.

4. Understand consent.

Free and enthusiastic consent is required every time.

Instead of waiting for a "no", make sure there is a positive "yes" from
everyone involved. Incorporate enthusiastic approval into your life and
talk about it. Phrases such as 'she asked for it' and 'boys will be boys' blur
the lines of sexual consent, blaming the victim and pardoning the crimes
committed by the perpetrator. Those who use these lines may have a
vague understanding of consent, but the definition is very clear. When
it comes to convincing, there is no blur.

5. Learn the signs of abuse and how you can help.

Abuse comes in many forms, all of which can have serious physical and
emotional consequences. If you think your friend may be experiencing
violence or feel unsafe around you, check for these signs and learn how
to help them find safety and support. If you believe someone is abusing
you, you can seek help. If you would like to speak to a hotline-trained
attorney, we have compiled a list of resources around the world.

6. Start a conversation.

Violence against women and girls is a human rights violation that has
been going on for decades. As everywhere, silence is inevitable.

7. Stand against rape culture.

Rape culture is an enabling social environment for the normalization and
justification of sexual violence, fueled by persistent gender inequalities
and attitudes about gender and sexuality. Naming is the first step to
dismantle rape culture. Every day we have the opportunity to examine
 our actions and beliefs for the biases that perpetuate the culture of
rape. Consider how we define masculinity and femininity, and how
prejudices and stereotypes affect them. From our attitudes about
gender identity to the policies we advocate in our communities, we can
all take steps to combat the culture of rape.

8. Fund women’s organizations.

Donate to local organizations that empower women, spread women's

voices, support survivors, and promote acceptance of all gender
identities and sexualities. UN Women works with women's organizations
around the world to end violence against women, support survivors and
ensure equality for women and girls everywhere.

9. Hold each other accountable.

Violence can take many forms, including sexual harassment at work and
in public. Shout out and stand up for obituaries, inappropriate sexual
comments, and sexist jokes. By encouraging colleagues to think about
their actions and speak up when someone crosses a line, or by enlisting
the help of others when they feel unsafe, create a safer environment.
As always, we listen to survivors and make sure they get the support they
need.

10. Know the data and demand more of it.

To combat gender-based violence effectively, we need to understand

the problem. Relevant data collection is key to successful preventive
interventions and providing adequate support to survivors. Gender-
related data collection gaps are more pronounced than ever during
COVID-19 as gender-based violence surged. Ask the government to
invest in collecting data on gender-based violence.

References:

Take action: 10 ways you can help end violence against women, even
during a pandemic. (2020, November 17). UN Women –
Headquarters.
https://www.unwomen.org/en/news/stories/2020/11/compilation-
take-action-to-help-end-violence-against-women

OHCHR. (n.d.-b). 16 Days of Activism against gender based violence.

https://www.ohchr.org/en/women/16-days-activism-against-
gender-based-violence