WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

AND GENDER
SENSITIVITY LECTURE

C.M. Pacopia, MAPS

World Bank says:

“Empowerment is the process of increasing the

capacity of individuals or groups to make choices
and to transform those choices into desired actions
and outcomes.”
 Women Empowerment
Women Empowerment refers to increasing
the spiritual, political, social, educational,
gender, or economic strength of individuals
and communities of women.
Women's empowerment has five components:

• Women's sense of self-worth;

• Their right to have and to determine choices;
• Their right to have access to opportunities and resources;
• Their right to have the power to control their own lives,
both within and outside the home;
• And their ability to influence the direction of social change
to create a more just social and economic order, nationally
and internationally.
Women’s Situation in the Philippines
• The current situation of women in the Philippines is best
described as having sharp contradictions. Filipino women
may be considered as one of the most advanced vis-à-vis
the women in other countries, in the areas of academic,
professional, politics and legislation.
• However, they also suffer from domestic violence,
economic disadvantages, discrimination at the
workplace, exploitation as migrant workers, and as
prostituted women and displacement brought about by
the intermittent wars in conflict affected areas in the
Philippines.
 Women’s Situation in the
Philippines
• In spite of the remarkable achievements mentioned
above, thousands of Filipino women suffer from sex and
other gender-based abuses. The most common form of
gender-based violence in the Philippines is domestic
violence, followed by rape. (Women’s Legal Bureau 2006)

• One of the most common forms of domestic violence is

wife battering. (Mananzan 1997).
 Women’s Situation in the
Philippines
• The Philippine Population Commission has noted the
increasing feminization of migration as more and more
women are leaving the country to work abroad. A huge
number of women are deployed as laborers and
unskilled workers (mostly as domestic helpers).
• Female Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) incur more
costs and face greater risks compared to their male
OFWs counterparts. They are subjected to discrimination,
trafficking, prostitution and degrading jobs. They are also
prone to human rights abuses, reproductive health
problems and violence.
 Women’s Situation in the
Philippines
• While Filipino women suffer the same domestic violence,
and economic disadvantages all over the country,
women in some parts of Mindanao and other conflict
affected areas in the Philippines suffer more.
• According to the Internal Displacement Monitoring
Center, armed conflict in the Philippines caused the
displacement of nearly two million people from 2000 and
2006.
Women’s Situation in the
Philippines

While the women's movement in the Philippines

demonstrated perpetual growth and momentum,
women in the minority like the lesbians, bisexual and
the transwomen still grapple for the place of their
struggle in the movement.
Women’s Situation in the Philippines
 Women’s Situation in the
Philippines
• In the past two decades, the Philippines did well in
promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.
These are evident in the inclusion of gender equality
principles in development programs and processes and
legislative reforms.
 International Mandates
• Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against
Women (CEDAW). The Philippines is one of the 189 countries that ratified
CEDAW adopted in 1979 and described as a landmark international bill of
rights of women.
• Beijing Platform for Action (BPfA). The resulting document of the 4th
World Conference on Women in Beijing, China in 1995. The BPfA
flagged 12 key areas where urgent action was needed to ensure greater
equality and opportunities for women and men, girls and boys by laying
out concrete ways for countries to bring about change.
• 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (2030). Seventeen (17) goals,
which include Goal 5 to “Achieve gender equality and empower all
women and girls” , were adopted as a universal call to action to end
poverty, protect the planet and improve the lives and prospects of
everyone, everywhere.
 International Mandates
• UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). The UN
CSW is the principal intergovernmental body exclusively
dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the
empowerment of women. It is also mandated to lead the
monitoring and review of the implementation of the BPfA
and contribute to the follow-up of the SDGs.
• The Philippines supports gender mainstreaming and
promotes women’s and girls’ rights in the region by
participating in the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Women
(AMMW), ASEAN Committee on Women (ACW) and
the ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of
the Rights of Women and Children (ACWC).
 International Mandates
• The country is also a founding member economy of the Asia-Pacific
Economic Cooperation (APEC). Integrated in these intergovernmental
cooperation is the promotion of gender equality in the realization of
their specific objectives, primarily achievement of women’s economic
empowerment through the Policy Partnership on Women and the
Economy (PPWE).
• The Philippines is also a signatory to the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights which establishes women’s rights as human rights;
conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO) such as
the Equal Remuneration Convention and Discrimination
(Employment and Occupation) Convention; and other international
human rights treaties that promote and protect women’s rights.
These include the International Covenant on Civil and Political
Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social
and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), among othe
 National Mandates

• 1987 Philippine Constitution. Section 14. The State

recognizes the role of women in nation-building, and shall
ensure the fundamental equality before the law of women
and men.
• Republic Act 9262: Anti-Violence Against Women and
Their Children Act of 2004. It is hereby declared that the
State values the dignity of women and children and
guarantees full respect for human rights. The State also
recognizes the need to protect the family and its members
particularly women and children, from violence and threats to
their personal safety and security.
 National Mandates
• Republic Act No. 10361: Domestic Workers Act or Batas
Kasambahay of 2013. The State strongly affirms labor as a primary social
force and is committed to respect, promote, protect and realize the fundamental
principles and rights at work including, but not limited to, abolition of child
labor, elimination of all forms of forced labor, discrimination in employment and
occupation, and trafficking in persons, especially women and children
• Republic Act 10354: The Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive
Health Act of 2012. The State recognizes and guarantees the human rights of
all persons including their right to equality and nondiscrimination of these rights,
the right to sustainable human development, the right to health which includes
reproductive health, the right to education and information, and the right to
choose and make decisions for themselves in accordance with their religious
convictions, ethics, cultural beliefs, and the demands of responsible parenthood.
 National Mandates
Republic Act 9710: Magna Carta of Women August 14, 2009. The
Magna Carta of Women (MCW) is a comprehensive women’s human rights
law that seeks to eliminate discrimination through the recognition,
protection, fulfillment, and promotion of the rights of Filipino women,
especially those belonging in the marginalized sectors of the society. It
conveys a framework of rights for women based directly on international
law.
Republic Act 11313: Safe Spaces Act of 2018. It is the policy of the
State to value the dignity of every human person and guarantee full
respect for human rights. It is likewise the policy of the State to recognize
the role of women in nation-building and ensure the fundamental equality
before the law of women and men. The State also recognizes that both
men and women must have equality, security and safety not only in
private, but also on the streets, public spaces, online, workplaces and
educational and training institutions.
 Historical Roots and
Evolution of the Feminist
Movement
• The Bayan and the Babaylan: Women in
Pre-Colonial Philippines
• Chains of Chastity: The Colonization of
Women's Body in Hispanic Philippines
• Sisters in Arms: Revolutionaries,
suffragists and guerillas
• Women Comrades: Resisting A Dictator
and Persisting with the Struggle
Contemporary Period:
From the Ramos Presidency
(June 1992) to the Present
• Women's Political Participation
• Women in trade unions and in the labor
movement
• Fighting for pro-women legislation Reflections
and Continuing Challenges
Percentage of Elected Officials in the
Philippines
 GENDER
SENSITIVITY
Gender issues permeate
our lives
– NOT an indictment
BUT an opportunity to reflect
– NOT a classroom
BUT a venue for sharing: common and
deeper understanding of gender issues
– NOT an imposition of a framework
BUT a venue for enrichment
 Introduction to the Gender
Sensitivity Lecture
• Four Main Premises
– NOT A WAR OF THE
SEXES
– NOT ANTI-MALE; BUT
PRO-HUMAN
– BOTH WOMEN AND MEN
ARE VICTIMS, ALTHOUGH
WOMEN MORE THAN
MEN
– BOTH HAVE A STAKE IN
THE STRUGGLE FOR
GENDER EQUALITY
WHAT IS THE
DIFFERENCE
BETWEEN A MAN AND
A WOMAN?
 MALE FEMALE
Masculine Gentle/feminine
Good-Looking Beautiful
strong sweet
Breadwinner Nurturing
Brave Understanding
Assertive Modest
Pants Skirt
Womanizer Mature
Partner Loyal
Decision-maker Intelligent
Hard-working Multi-task
Penis Loving
Simple extravagant
Testicles Breastfeeds
Muscular Pregnant
Sporty Menstruation
Father of a family Long hair
vagina
 MALE FEMALE
Masculine Gentle/feminine
Good-Looking/handsome Beautiful
strong sweet
Breadwinner Nurturing
Brave Understanding
Assertive Modest
Pants Skirt
Womanizer Mature
Partner Loyal
Decision-maker Intelligent
Hard-working Multi-task
Penis Loving
Simple extravagant
Testicles Breastfeeds
Muscular Pregnant
Sporty Menstruation
Long hair
vagina
SEX AND GENDER
 SEX

• Biological term; physiological/physical

difference between males and females
• Certain bio-physiological attributes are mainly
manifested or expressed by males and females
 Reproductive system
 External reproductive organs/ ari
 Hormones
 Chromosomes
• A person is born male or female
GENDER

• Gender differences are imposed through:

 roles
 responsibilities
 resources
• Product of culture: is learned

• Socially created/determined, hence, can be

changed
 WHAT is the issue?
• Automatic and mechanistic
way of ascribing gender
roles as though they were
natural outcomes of
differences in sex
 Frequently, those who follow
gendered social rules are
praised; those who defy or violate
them are punished.
SOCIALIZATION

• Manipulation
Handling of girls and boys differently
• Canalization
Directing children’s attention to gender-
appropriate objects
• Verbal Appelation
Children are told what they are
• Activity Exposure
Children are familiarized with gender-
appropriate tasks
STAGE: CONCEPTION/INFANCY

RULES/
IMPLICATIONS
IMPOSITIONS
GIRL • Pink


BOY • Blue


STAGE: CHILDHOOD
RULES/ IMPLICATIONS
IMPOSITIONS
GIRL • No biking DO NOT LEARN RULES OF THE GAME
• Do not go out (just
 stay at home)
• Should not be
ASSERTIVENESS NOT PRACTICED

active or “sporty”
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
LIMITING THEIR OPPORTUNITIES TO
EXPLORE & DEVELOP

BOY • Climb trees DO NOT LEARN HOW TO BE

• Play outside
 • Do not cry!
NURTURING
DON’T SHOW EMOTIONS

LIMITING THEIR POTENTIAL

STAGE: TEENS

RULES/ IMPLICATIONS
IMPOSITIONS
GIRL • Should be reserved GROW UP WITH FEAR
• Should always be
 careful: should not
stay out at night,
GROW UP NOT TRUSTING HERSELF

etc. LOW SELF-STEEM (“Dove”)

LIMITING THE OPPORTUNITY FOR
GIRLS TO BE MORE DECISIVE &
INDEPENDENT
BOY “Boys will be boys”:
• Natural for boys to INDEPENDENCE
 be aggressive
• A boy has nothing
ASSERTIVENESS – BEING ACTIVE
to lose if he gets HIGH SELF-ESTEEM
into any sexual VALUES: OKAY LANG MAGING
activity (in fact, he
POLYGAMOUS
gains his
“manhood”)
INSTITUTIONS
FAMILY/PARENTS
Girls given household
chores; trained in housework
Boys should be aggressive,
go out; trained to be
decision-makers & leaders
IMPLICATIONS
(a.k.a: what is wrong?)
When there are limited
resources, girls should
just stay home…
while boys should have
the privilege to go to
school since they will be
future breadwinners.
INSTITUTIONS
FAMILY/HUSBAND IMPLICATIONS
& WIFE (a.k.a: what is wrong?)
• Husband who does house
chores (palengke, laba, IKINAAAWOD (ikinahihiya)
etc.) UNDER DE SAYA!
• Husband who consults his RIDICULED BY
wife for decisions RELATIVES & FRIENDS
• Husband who goes home
early
• Husband who is “going
straight” (no vices)
• Husband who does not go
on “night outs” with friends Restricting for men
or office mates Affects his self-esteem
INSTITUTIONS
IMPLICATIONS
 SCHOOL (a.k.a: what is wrong?)

Courses for boys: LIMITING GIRL’S AND BOY’S

engineering, medicine, OPPORTUNITY TO CHOOSE
architecture, etc. (it is not anymore a matter of
Courses for girls: nursing, choice but has become an
social work, secretarial, imposition)
education, etc.

On out-of-wedlock A girl who gets pregnant

pregnancy while studying gets kicked
out – but a boy who gets a
girl pregnant does not
receive sanctions.
INSTITUTIONS

 CHURCH
A woman’s virginity is
sacred, it should be given as
a gift to his husband once
married.
IMPLICATIONS
(a.k.a: what is wrong?)
WORTH AS A WOMAN =
VIRGINITY…
While for MEN OKAY LANG!
(SIKAT PA NGA PAG MAY
EXPERIENCE NA)

WIFE, submit to your

husband.
Wedding rites
MAN, love your wife.
 INSTITUTIONS

 PEERS IMPLICATIONS
(a.k.a: what is wrong?)
Girls should stay beautiful: SELF-WORTH = PHYSICAL
use cosmetic products, wear (ganda)
nice clothes, stay thin, etc. PAG DI KA MAGANDA
IIWAN KA! (Pero bakit di
magpaganda para sa
sarili?)

Boys should always be BIG RESPONSIBILITY OF

strong physically (i.e. engage BEING THE PROVIDER
in sports) and emotionally (i.e. MORE MEN ARE
should not cry)
HYPERTENSIVE (because
of pent-up emotions)

GOVERNMENT
Laws favor men (e.g.
adultery, concubinage)
Men in general get higher
pay at work
 WORK PLACE
Women in general work in
service industries (an
extension of their expected
role at home)
IMPLICATIONS
(a.k.a: what is wrong?)
FAVORS MEN
LESS OPPORTUNITIES
FOR WOMEN TO TAKE
LEADERSHIP POSITIONS
(i.e. from PTAs to coops,
LGUs, and congress)
IMPLICATIONS
(a.k.a: what is wrong?)
NAGTRATRABAHO NA,
NAG-AASIKASO PA SA
BAHAY
CONCLUSION
• The above-mentioned gender issues create a negative
impact on the lives of women especially when they are
being punished for the choices that they make as they try
to get out of the box. The same is true for men.
• Gender is of our own making and not something that is
dictated by sex or by our biological traits, rather it is
created by human beings. If gender is a human creation
therefore it can be changed. And we, as human beings,
have the power to change this situation.
• “And if we treat all human beings as equal, regardless of
sex and gender orientation, it then follows that every
person deserves the right to be respected.”
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING