3.

GENDER FAIR SOCIETY

Women and men are empowered to act on their own and to realize their full
potentials.

Under the Philippine Plan for Gender Responsive Development, the following are included
as elements of a gender-fair society:

Ø  Gender equality and equity

Gender equality – both women and men are free to develop their personal abilities and
make choices without limitations set by stereotypes, rigid gender roles and prejudices
(Source: International Labor Organization).

Gender equity – fairness of treatment for women and men, according to their respective
needs. This may include equal treatment or treatment that is different but which is
considered equivalent in terms of rights, benefits, obligations and opportunities. Equity is
means; equality is the goal (Source: ILO).

Ø  Women’s empowerment

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 (Source: United Nations).

Ø  Sustainable Development

 
Sustainable development means development that meets the needs of the present
without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. (Source:
United Nations)

Ø  Peace and social justice

Development of a culture of peace and non-violence.

Ø  Democratic participation

Ø  Self-determination at all levels

Ø  Actualization of human potentials beyond basic needs

Ø  Respect for human rights

Elements of a Gender- Fair Society

·         Shared parenting and housework

·         Equal educational opportunities for men and women.

·         Non-stereotypical roles and chores

·         Development of a culture of peace and social justice and non- violence

·         Respect for human rights

·         Democratic participation

·         Gender equality and equity

·         Women’s empowerment

·         Sustainable development

·         Actualization of human potentials beyond basic needs

·    

For ever woman who is tires of acting weak when she knows she is strong;

There is a man who is tired of appearing strong when he feels vulnerable.

For every woman who is tired of acting dumb;

There is a man who is burdened with the constant expectation of “knowing everything
For every woman who takes a step toward her own liberation;

There is a man who finds that the way to freedom has been made a little easier.
 

Personal Commitment to your personal life.

a.    I will stop _______________________________________________________________

(something that I have been doing in the past that does not contribute to gender fairness in my
family)

b.   I will start _______________________________________________________________

(something that I have not done yet but I think would facilitate gender fairness in my family)

c.    I will continue

_______________________________________________________________
(something that I have been doing in the past that helps in creating a gender fair family)