GENDER ANALYSIS TOOLS: AN EFFECTIVE WAY TO GENDER EQUALITY

In the modern times of today, there is this undying and unending issue of Gender
Equality. This issue started way back to the times of Gabriela Silang down to the
streets of EDSA with Cory Aquino and to the crown worn by Pia Wurtzbach around
her head.
However, the passage of time doesnt really warrant that this issue was resolved. In
fact, it is getting stronger as the years pass by. Different kinds of argument have
aroused and way too many opinions were expressed.
Now, the United Nations have somehow found a way to clear the issue of gender
equality. This is through the conduct of Gender Mainstreaming on the projects and
activities by an organization. The question is, HOW?
With this, the Gender Analysis tools were introduced.
The Philippine government, as a part of the United Nations is now introducing
Gender Mainstreaming to its instrumentalities through the Philippine Commission on
Women (PCW). Consequently, Tagum Water District, as a government-owned and
controlled corporations (GOCC) established its Gender Focal Point System (GFPS) in
the previous year in accordance to the mandate of PCW.
As a part of the capability building program on GFPS members, Ms. Estella D.
Aparece, the GFPS Focal Person and Ms. Ailene Ponio, the GFPS secretary attended a
seminar regarding the Gender Analysis Tools last June 22-24, 2016 at the Pinnacle
Hotel, Davao City. This was facilitated by the Regional Training Center of the Davao
City Water District and was participated by other Local Water District from all over
the Philippines.
The seminar as a whole was very informative and an eye-opener as well. There are
still gender issues that goes unnoticed as it became a customary trend in the
society but it actually needs to be addressed properly. One of the main issues
tackled during the three-day event was Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH). It
was explained by Mr. Jaime Antonio Jr., an accredited speaker of the United Nations,
how and why several gender issues were present in the proper sanitation and
hygiene on water.
Various gender issues were presented and was addressed through the use of
different gender analysis tools.
After the seminar, the employees and the management of Tagum Water District can
now expect a more strengthened GFPS system in the office.