Development 

 
Civil Welfare Training Services 001 
The process in which someone or something grows or changes and  becomes more
CHAPTER II. GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT advanced. 

What are the existing genders?  

Lesson 1: Definition of GAD   LGBTQIA+ sexuality 

INTRODUCTION   Straight/heterosexual: attracted to the opposite sex or gender. Homosexual: attracted

to the same sex or gender. 
Sex - These are the biological and physiological characteristics that define men  and
women.   Lesbian- attracted to the same gender and you are a woman. 

What is the difference between females and males, in terms of biological aspects?  Gay- attracted to the same gender and you are a man. 

Female  Male  Bisexual: attracted to more than one gender. 

Asexual: have no or less romantic or sexual attraction to others. 

Genitalia  Vagina, Clitoris  Penis, Scrotum
Pansexual: someone who is attracted – either emotionally, physically, or both – to all
Internal Reproductive  Organ  Uterus, Ovaries,   Fallopian tube, Testes genders. 
Ovum
Pansexual vs. Bisexual  

Chromosomes  XX  XY Pansexuality and bisexuality are similar, but not quite the same.  Pansexuality is
broader than bisexuality, and people who identify as pansexual  may be attracted to
Hormones  Estrogen and  Progesterone Testosterone people of all genders. Bisexuality is the attraction to two or  more genders, but not
necessarily all. People who identify as bisexual may be  pansexual, but not necessarily.
Some people prefer to identify as bisexual even if  they may be pansexual simply
because the term “bisexual” is more commonly  recognized. 
Gender  
What do I and A stand for in LGBTQIA+?  
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Gender refers to the 
characteristics of women, men, girls, and boys that are socially constructed. This  Somewhat recently, the Pride acronym has adopted more letters. Many  sources now
includes norms, behaviors, and roles associated with being a woman, man, girl, or  boy, refer to the LGBTQIA+ community, which stands for lesbian, gay,  bisexual,
as well as relationships with each other. As a social construct, gender varies  from transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual. While some of those words  are often
society to society and can change over time.  discussed, others may need some further explanation. 
Intersex is a person who is born with a combination of male and female  biological September 9, 1995. It is the successor of the Philippine  Development Plan for Women,
traits.  1989-1992 which was adopted by Executive No.  348 of February 17, 1989. 

Example:  Memorandum Circular No. 2011-01 (GAD Focal Point System)  

Hermaphrodite- a condition where a person has both male and female  reproductive A memorandum Circular No. 2011-01 was released on October 21, 2011,  addressing to
organs. all Government Departments including State Universities and  Colleges (SUCs),
Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) and  all other government
GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT   instrumentalities as their guidelines and procedures for the  establishment,
International Labour Organization   strengthening and institutionalization of the GFPS. GFPS which  means GAD Focal Point
System is established to ensure, advocate, and monitor  the development,
According to the International Labour Organization, gender equality is a  critical implementation and updating of their GAD Plans and GAD related programs, activities
element in achieving Decent Work for All Women and Men, in order to  effect social and projects (PAPs). 
and institutional change that leads to sustainable development with  equity and
growth.  HISTORICAL BACKGROUND  

Definition of GAD by Philippine Commission on Women   What is Women in Development?  

Philippine Commission on Women also defined Gender and  Development as a process It is an approach that emerged in the early 1970s when it became  apparent women
that is participatory and empowering, equitable,  sustainable, free from violence, were not benefitting from development due to their exclusion  from development
respectful of human rights, supportive of self determination and actualization of programmes. WID made demands for women’s inclusion in  development; however, it
human potential.  did not call for fundamental changes in the overall  social structure or economic system
in which women were to be included. WID  focused on women exclusively and almost
Definition of GAD by The Magna Carta of Women (R.A 9710), and Nayong Pilipino  outside of the mainstream of  development. 
Foundation  
What is Women and Development?  
The Republic Act No. 9710, also known as The Magna Carta on Women  and Nayong
Pilipino Foundation states that Gender and Development is a  development perspective It is an approach of the late 1970s focused on the interaction between  women and
that recognizes the different roles, interests, and needs  of women and men. The goal development, rather than purely on strategies to integrate women  into development.
is to make gender equality a fundamental value in  development choices and It appeared that neither men nor women were benefiting from  development due to
institutional practice.  class inequalities and the unequal distribution of wealth.  WAD focused strongly on
class (including men), in practical project design and  implementation, it tends, like
Philippine Plan for Gender and Development, 1995-2025   WID, to group women irrespective of other considerations such as class divisions. 

The Philippine Plan for Gender and Development, 1995-2025, is a plan  that addresses, How Gender and Development Relates to WID and WAD?  
provides, and pursues full equality and development for men and  women. It was
approved and adopted by former President Fidel V. Ramos as  Executive No. 273, on In 1980’s, Gender and Development (GAD) was formed as an alternative  to Women in
Development (WID) and Women and Development (WAD). It  focuses on the social or
gender relations (i.e. division of labor) between men and  women in society and disparities in social, economic, and political balances between women and men  as a
emphasizes the productive and reproductive roles of  women. It goes beyond seeing pre-condition for achieving people-centered development” (GWA, 2006:11). 
development as mainly economic well-being, but  also the social and mental well-being
The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action that was approved in  September 1995
of the individual. 
at the Fourth World Conference on Women, is a global pledge  to attaining equality,
Two Frameworks of Gender and Development   development and peace for women worldwide. It requires  all governments to develop
policies and national plans of action to implement the  Platform locally. As part of the
Gender and Development (GAD) focused on two major frameworks:  Gender Roles and accomplishment of the Government of the  Philippines was the mandatory provision of
Social Relations Analysis.  at least 5% of the total budget be allotted to the Gender and Development (GAD)
Gender roles means how a person is expected to act, speak, dress,  groom, and initiatives. 
conduct ourselves based upon our assigned sex. For example, girls  and women are SOCIETY BEFORE THE GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT  
generally expected to dress in typically feminine ways and be  polite, accommodating,
and nurturing. Men are generally expected to be strong,  aggressive, and bold. Generalizations concerning the functions that are assigned to each  gender are
Furthermore, every society, ethnic group, and culture has  gender role expectations, examples of gender stereotypes. In most cases, gender roles are  neither good nor
but they can be very different from group to group. They can also change in the same negative; rather, they are merely erroneous generalizations of  the characteristics that
society over time. To conclude, gender roles  focus on social construction of identities are associated with males and females. These  generalizations are extremely
within the household, it also reveals the  expectations from ‘maleness and femaleness’ oversimplified and in no way represent the 
in their relative access to resources. 
characteristics that are unique to every individual of either gender because every 
Social relations analysis exposes the social dimensions of hierarchical  power relations person, regardless of their gender, has their own unique wants, ideas, and  feelings. 
embedded in social institutions. Through the analysis, it can  advise a person to
collaborate with another person, organization to share tasks  or information with An example of it was the kind of treatment to different genders that the  society
perceived before. We all know that the treatment of society is much more  favorable to
another organization. Also, it’s determining influence on the  relative position of men
and women in society.  men than women. The society expects men to do all the heavier tasks  at all times and
women are expected to do easy tasks, especially household  activities only. This limits
Gender and Development in the World   the ability of women to do more oreven outdo what men  can do. 

The United Nations Charter of 1945 and the Universal Declaration of  Human Rights in
1948 established the first official worldwide recognition of  women’s equality and non-
discrimination on the basis on sex. However up until  the late 1960’s the focus was on
women’s reproductive roles, as women were  seen as wives and mothers and their
main issues were supposed to be obtaining  access to food, contraceptives, nutrition
and health care. 
In the late 80’s the Gender and Development (GAD) approach was  developed with the
idea of improving the development model by “removing  
The following are some instances of aspects of society that existed prior to gender  and
development:  
• Traditionally, women are constrained to "pink collar professions" such as  secretaries
and librarians, whereas men are more likely to work in  scientific fields or in
occupations that require logical reasoning, such as  engineers, biologists, and chemists. 
• It is often accepted that women should take care of all domestic  responsibilities,
while males should go out and find physically demanding  employment.  
• It is generally accepted that women look after their children, while males  are management tasks and that men should get paid  higher and women, on the other
thought to be the decision-makers for their families.   hand, should just stay at home and fulfill her  maternal responsibilities. In terms of
leadership, we should normalize having  women leaders. You can’t say that women
• In the past, it was customary for men to make the first move and begin  courting a can’t lead just because they are weak,  and that man can because they are strong. That
potential partner. Women are the ones who have to wait and  determine whether or is why we should eradicate  gender biases. GAD’s role is to redefine the traditional
not they will accept them.  expectations of people in  gender role. With that, people can see that there is no big
• And last, women are often seen to be submissive, whereas men are  typically difference with the  capabilities of men and women and that they should not expect
considered to be dominant.  more or less  regardless of the gender of a person. 

ROLE OF GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE COMMUNITY   Promote Women’s Empowerment  

Gender and Development (GAD) focuses on Gender Mainstreaming  which is the Gender and Development (GAD) is one of the programs that promote  women’s
Philippine government’s strategy to work on women’s empowerment  and gender empowerment and ensure that their full participation becomes  essential for the
equality. The role of Gender and Development is to pursue  development and equality community. 
for men and women. GAD’s role is to eradicate gender  biases so that everyone, may it Women’s empowerment is the process and condition by which women  mobilize to
be men or women, can work and perform roles  according to what they really want. It understand, identify, and overcome gender discrimination to achieve  equality in
promotes women’s empowerment. It  ensures that women’s full participation becomes welfare and equal access to resources. Women's empowerment  consists of five
essential in our community. But  it is not just for the rights of women, but as well as for components: women's sense of self-worth; their right to have and  determine choices;
men so that both parties  can equally share benefits and responsibilities.  their right to access opportunities and resources; their right  to have power over their
Pursue Development   own lives, both within and outside the home; and their  ability to influence the
direction of social change in order to create a more just  social and economic order,
From the word itself already “development”, GAD aims to develop what  the society both nationally and internationally. Women will excel  in many areas if they are given
thinks about gender. Some have this traditional thinking about the  gender in which free and equal choices and opportunities. In this  context, women will become agents
some people belittle women, and they think that only men have  the capabilities to do of development rather than just  beneficiaries, and it will result in significant change
things like working jobs while women just stay at home and  do household tasks. and growth in the community.  For the betterment of the community, continuous
Gender and Development programs help people open their  minds and develop what efforts should be made by  people from all walks of life.
they think towards the gender and what they can do. 

Eradicate Gender Inequality   Women's empowerment consists of 5 components:  

Gender inequality is a phenomenon in the society in which men and  women are not 1. Women’s sense of self-worth;  
treated equally. This can happen anywhere and, in many aspects,  like in working,
leading, and even with colors and games. We should break the  stigma that people only 2. Right to have and determine choices;  
assign jobs to men because they think that women can’t  do it. Men should not always 3. Right to access opportunities and resources;  
be expected as the breadwinner of the family while  women would do the household
4. Right to have power over their own lives, both within and outside the  home;   internet, advertising for events, folders, posters and  

5. Ability to influence the direction of social change   films. 

• Attention must also be paid to a gender-sensitive choice of  images when preparing
public relations material. 
Lesson 2: Basic Concept of Gender Mainstreaming  Gender Mainstreaming  
2. Gender-specific data collection and analysis  
− An approach to policy-making that takes into account both women’s  and men’s
interests  • Data must be collected, analyzed and presented by gender.  Social dimensions, such
as age, ethnicity, income and level of  education should also be reflected where
− First introduced at the 1985 Nairobi World Conference on Women − Established as a possible. 
strategy in international gender equality policy through  the Beijing Platform for Action,
adopted at the 1995 Fourth United  Nations World Conference on Women in Beijing, • Gender-specific analysis of the initial situation must provide  the basis for all
and subsequently  adopted as a tool to promote gender equality at all levels.  decisions. 

  Objectives of Gender Mainstreaming   3. Equal access to and utilization of services  

1. Equal career opportunities for women and men.  • Services and products must be assessed as to their different  effects on women and
men. 
2. Fair distribution of unpaid and paid work among women and men,  wages and
salaries that women and men can live on independently. 3. Equality of women and • It is important to identify: 
men with regard to political representation and  participation. 
o Who uses the services (women or men or both)? 
4. Enhancement of gender roles and standards for women and men,  elimination of
o Who are the clients (women or men or both)? 
restricting standards. 
o Who are the target groups? 
5. Same personal freedoms for women and men, protection against all  forms of
aggression.  o Do women and men have different needs? 

Principles of Gender Mainstreaming   o Are the different circumstances of women and men   taken into account when
planning and designing   services? 
1. Gender-sensitive language  
o Have all target groups access to the same sources of  information? 
• Texts referring to or addressing both women and men must  make women and men
equally visible.  o Who benefits most? 

o This applies to, amongst others, forms, documents,   o Which group would suffer most if they could not use  the services offered?

telephone directories, texts on the intranet and the  

o Are the offices providing the service structurally  gendered and barrier free, (i.e. the Importance of Gender Mainstreaming  
waiting areas,  lighting, access without steps, signage)? 
Gender and development mainstreaming is important to improve the  quality of public
4. Women and men are equally involved in decision making  policies, programmes and projects, ensuring a more efficient  allocation of resources.
Moreover, it ensures that policy-making and legislative  work is of higher quality and
• There are binding targets for a balanced gender ratio at all  levels of decision has a greater relevance on society, because it makes  policies respond more effectively
making.  to the needs of all citizens - women and men,  girls and boys. Thus, better results mean
• Measures and strategies geared towards a balanced gender  ratio must be taken at all increased well-being for both women  and men, and the creation of a more socially just
levels of decision making.  and sustainable society. 

o This is also important when appointing working   groups, project teams, Lesson 3.1: The pertinent laws anchored to GAD (RA 9262:  Anti-Violence
commissions and advisory  boards, as well as when organizing events, e.g. Against Women and their Children Act of  2004)  
when  selecting speakers. 
  What do we mean by Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC)?  − According to
• Workplaces must be structurally gendered and barrier free  where possible (e.g. Section 3 of RA 9262, violence against women and their  children refers to any act or a
gendered signage, sufficient lighting,  avoiding potentially frightening situations as in series of acts committed by any person  against a woman who is his wife or against her
poorly  accessible basement archives, access without steps, social  rooms for different child whether legitimate  or illegitimate, within or without the family abode, which
occupations).  result in or is  likely to result in physical, sexual, psychological harm or suffering, or
economic abuse including threats of such acts, battery, assault, coercion,  harassment
5. Equal treatment is integrated into steering processes  • Steering instruments include or arbitrary deprivation of liberty. 
quality management and gender  budgeting, amongst others. It is important to note
that:  What is RA 9262 or VAWC law?  

o Paying attention to the different circumstances of  women and men enhances  − An act defining violence against women and their children, providing for  protective
measures for victims, prescribing penalties therefore, and  other purposes. (Section 3
▪ the success rate,  of RA 9262)  
▪ effectiveness and  − A law that aims to stop violence against women and their children  (VAWC) by their
intimate partners, such as their husband or exx-husband, live-in partner,
▪ maximum utilization of staff and funds. 
boyfriend/girlfriend or ex-boyfriend/ex girlfriend, dating partner or past dating
• All targets related to people are defined in terms of full  equality and the targets partner.  
attained are therefore presented by  gender. 
The persons protected by this Law  
• Controlling routine as a matter of course includes gender specific evaluation of
results and a systematic steering of the  gender ratio, in other words, the development
and  implementation of (new and adapted) targets, strategies and  measures. 
A. Women - refers to those who experienced violence or abuse from  their intimate unwanted sexual comments, or advances, or acts to traffic, or  otherwise directed
partners such as their husband, ex-husband,  boyfriend or ex-boyfriend, father of the against a person's sexuality using coercion, by  any person regardless of their
woman’s child, lesbian  girlfriends/partners, or any person with whom the woman relationship to the victim, in any  setting. One in four Filipino women aged 15-49 has
has/had  a sexual/dating relationship.   experienced  sexual violence by their husbands or partner. About 7,000,000  children
are sexually abused every year in the Philippines. More  than 70% of sexually abused
B. Children - refers to those below eighteen (18) years of age or older  but incapable of children are between 10 and 18 years  old. Among those victims, 20% are under 6 years
taking care of themselves as defined under  Republic Act No. 7610. As used in this Act, old.  
it includes the biological  children of the victim and other children in their care.  
Types of Sexual Violence  
C. Special Children - refers to a person aged 18 years old and beyond  who doesn’t have
the ability to decide for herself/himself because  of an emotional, physical, and mental 1. Physical - physically forcing undesired sexual acts by  one person on another. Non-
illness can make full use of the  law.   consensual touching,  fondling, physical restraint, cornering, kissing, licking, 

   brushing up against, urinating on, intercourse, etc. 

Acts Punishable by this Law   2. Verbal - the use of spoken or written words to express,  evoke, or imply sexual
content. Sexual jokes, name 
A. Physical Violence - refers to an act when a person hurts or tries to  hurt their
partner.   calling, comments on physical development,  unwanted romantic advances, sexting,
etc. 
Examples: 
3. Covert - being observed, followed, photographed,  social media stalking, sexual
• Kicking  cyber-harassment. 
• Slapping  4. Visual - being exposed to unwanted sexual content  visually. Unwanted or uninvited
• Grabbing  exposure to sexually  explicit images, sexting/airdropping,  exhibitionism/flashing, etc. 

• Punching  5. Ritualistic - blended with some form of spirituality and  ritual. Child marriage, incest
rituals, and chants or  
• Throwing things 
incantations during abuse, etc. 
Results to the victim(s) 
C. Psychological Violence - refers to acts or omissions causing or likely  to cause mental
• Injuries  or emotional suffering of the victim. 

• Trauma  Examples: 

B. Sexual Violence - is a form of gender-based violence and  encompasses any sexual • Intimidation 
act, attempt to obtain a sexual act,  
• Stalking  serious and moral grounds as defined in Article 73 of  

• Public ridicule or humiliation the Family Code; 

• Repeated verbal abuse  • Deprivation or threat of deprivation of financial  

• Martial Infidelity  resources and the right to the use and enjoyment of  

Harassment - Alarms or causes substantial emotional or  psychological distress to the the conjugal, community or property owned in  
woman or 
common; 
her child such as: 
• Destroying household property; 
Examples:  
• Controlling the victims’ own money or properties or  
▪ Stalking or following in public or private places; 
solely controlling the conjugal money or properties. 
▪ Peering in the window or lingering outside the  
  
residence; 
What can the victim do to stop the abuse?  
▪ Entering or remaining in the dwelling or on the  
1. Apply for Protection Order  
property against her/his will; 
According to Section 8 of RA 9262, protection order is an order  issued under this act
▪ Destroying the property and personal belongings or   for the purpose of preventing further acts of  violence against a woman or her child. 

inflicting harm to animals or pets.  Kinds of Protection Orders  

D. Economic Abuse - refers to acts that make or attempt to make a  woman financially a. Barangay Protection Order (BPO)  
dependent which includes, but is not limited to  the following: 
− Issued by the Punong Barangay ordering the  
Examples: 
perpetrator to desist from committing acts  
• Withdrawal of financial support or preventing the  
under Section 5(a) and (b) of RA 9262. 
victim from engaging in any legitimate profession,  
− Effective for 15 days 
occupation, business or activity, except in cases  
b. Temporary Protection Order (TPO)  
wherein the other spouse/partner objects on valid,  
− Issued by the court on the date of the filing of  
the application after ex parte determination   The following list shows the duration of long prison sentences according  to the
severity 
that such order should be issued. 
of the offense: 
− Effective for 30 days 
Acts falling under Section 5 (a): Physically harming the woman or her  child, such as
c. Permanent Protection Order (PPO)   attempted, completed parricide, murder, or homicide,  which can result in mutilation,
− Issued by the court after notice and hearing  is punishable under the Revised Penal  Code. 

− Effective until revoked by the court upon     WHAT IS REVISED PENAL CODE?  

application of the person in whose favor it   It contains the general penal laws of the Philippines. a wide range of  behaviors that are
considered illegal. 
was issued 
  CRIME/SITUATION: When victim almost dies or died; 
2. File a criminal action for violation of RA 9262  
PENALTY: Imprisonment of 12 years and 1 day to 40 years. 
Who may file for Protection Orders? 
CRIME/SITUATION: Those constituting serious physical injuries. PENALTY: shall be
− Offended Party   punished by PRISON MAYOR (Imprisonment of 6 year and 1 day  to 12 years.); 

− Parents or guardians   CRIME/SITUATION: Those constituting less serious physical injuries. PENALTY: shall be
punished by PRISION CORRECCIONAL (Imprisonment of 6  months and 1 day to 6
− Social workers of DSWD or LGU’s  
years.); 
− Police Officers  
CRIME/SITUATION: Those constituting slight physical injuries. 
− Punong Barangay or Kagawad  
PENALTY: shall be punished by ARRESTO MAYOR (Imprisonment of 1 month and  1 day
− Lawyers, counselor, therapist, health care provider   to 6 months.) 

− At least 2 citizens of the city/municipality who have  personal knowledge of the Acts falling under Section 5 (b): Threatened to cause the woman or her child  physical
offense.   harm 

Penalties   PENALTY: Imprisonment of two degrees lower than the prescribed penalty as  specified
in the preceding paragraph but may never be reduced below Arresto  Mayor. 
A. Imprisonment  
Acts falling under: 
Penalties - The crime of violence against women and their children,  under Section 5. 
Section 5 (c): Intentionally attempting to harm the woman or her children  physically;
and 
Section 5 (d): Putting the woman or her children in fear of impending bodily injury. ADDITIONAL: When acts are committed while the woman or child is pregnant or in the
PENALTY: shall be punished by ARRESTO MAYOR (Imprisonment of 1 month and  1 day presence of her child, the penalty shall be the MAXIMUM PERIOD prescribed in the
to 6 years.)  section. 

Acts falling under Section 5 (e): Use of threats of force, restrictions on the victim’s  Moreover, the perpetrator shall; 
freedom of movement, or attempts to coerce the victim into doing something she  has
(a) The offender may also be imprisoned even though the excuse was being drunk  or
the right to refuse. 
under the influence of prohibited drugs, because this cannot be taken as a  reason for
PENALTY: shall be punished by PRISION CORRECCIONAL (Imprisonment of 6 months committing VAWC. 
and 1 day to 6 years.) 
(b) fine in the amount of not less than P100,000 but not more than P300,000 (c) The
Acts falling under Section 5 (f): Self-harm threats used with the intent to  manipulate offender is also obliged to undergo psychological counseling or psychiatric  treatment.  
another’s behavior or decision-making. 
  
PENALTY: shall be punished by ARRESTO MAYOR (Imprisonment of 1 month and  1 day
B. Paying Damages  
to 6 months.) 

Acts falling under Section 5 (g): Coerce the woman or her child to engage in sexual  In addition to imprisonment, the perpetrator shall: 
conduct that isn’t rape by using physical harm or intimidation directed against the  a. pay a fine in the amount of not less than One hundred  
family. 
thousand pesos (P100,000.00) but not more than  
PENALTY: shall be punished by PRISION MAYOR (Imprisonment of 6 years and 1  day to
12 years.)  three hundred thousand pesos (300,000.00) 

Acts falling under:  b. undergo mandatory psychological counseling or  

Section 5 (h): Engaging intentional, careless, or negligent behavior that disturbs  the psychiatric treatment and shall report compliance to  
victim, causes them great emotional or psychological pain; and
the court. 

Case Scenario:  
Section 5 (i): Causing the lady or her child mental or emotional distress, public  ridicule,
or shame.  Top most wanted person was arrested by virtue of arrest  warrant for the crimes of
Anti-Violence Against Women And Their  Children Act of 2004 
PENALTY: shall be punished by PRISION MAYOR (Imprisonment of 6 years and 1  day to
12 years.)  Acts falling under: 

Section 5 (i) of RA 9262 with recommended bail bond of seventy-two  thousand pesos
(PhP 72,000.00); Anti-Violence Against Women and  Their Children Act of 2004 
Section 5 (a) in relation to sec. 6 (a) of RA 9262 with recommended bail  bond of thirty- prevalent in this society which clearly shows how  
six thousand pesos (PhP 36,000.00); anti-violence against  women and their children
act of 2004,  women are at the disadvantaged side. 

c. Women are most often abused than men  

Section 5 (a) in relation to sec. 6 (a) of ra 9262 with recommended bail  bond of
seventy-two thousand pesos (PhP 72,000.00) docketed under  criminal case numbers − According to 2017 National Demographic and Health  
15591-2k21, 15592-2k21 and 15593-2k21 PENALTY:shall be punished by PRISION
MAYOR (Imprisonment of 6 years  and 1 day to 12 years.)  Survey conducted by the Philippines Statistics  

Why men are excluded from this law?   Authority, 1 in 4 Filipino women aged 15-49 has  

1. Reasons  experienced violence by their husbands and partners. 

a. VAWC law can be used as a threatening device to the abused − they might threaten
their partners that they will   − Men in control seek violence to remain in control.  

reverse the situation if they report the abuse happening   2. Law that will protect men in case they experience violence  − May file a case under
the Revised Penal Code for Physical Abuse Just this year, Housebill 1365 or Domestic
to them  Violence Act of 2022 was filed  by Rep. Margarita Nograles of the Puwersa ng Bayaning
Atleta party-list  to recognize battered husbands or those that are victims of violence. 
b. Patriarchy and Male Privilege  
This bill seeks to include men and member of the LGBTQIA+ under the  protection of
− We all live in a patriarchal society.  VAWC in order to make the law equally fair to all genders. 

− Men mostly pursue the dominant roles in society.  Lesson 3.2: The pertinent laws anchored to GAD (RA 9710:  Magna Carta for
Women)    
− Men are viewed as the superior gender. 
Discrimination Against Women  
− There was also the male privilege 
Gender discrimination has the biggest negative impact on women. It can  mean limited
- For instance, a woman’s pain is not taken  
access to education, a lower social standing, less freedom to make  personal and family
seriously as a man’s pain. Woman in pain,   decisions, and lower wages for the jobs and work they do.  Women and girls are also
exposed to high levels of violence and harassment. 
most of the time, would be perceived as an  
Magna Carta  
act of “pag-iinarte” while man in pain will  
The Magna Carta of Women Republic Act 9710 is a thorough human  rights law for
always be considered true.  women that aims to end discrimination against hem by recognizing,  upholding, and
− There are so many other examples of male privileges  
advancing their rights, particularly those of underprivileged  Filipino women or rules and regulations of the Magna Carta of Women  within one hundred eighty (180)
Marginalized Sector.  days after its effectivity. Year 2018, December  12, Senator Sonny Angara has called for
the full implementation of laws  protecting Filipino women against all forms of violence
Marginalized Sectors – refers to the part of economy that does not fall  under the as the Philippines joined  the rest of the world in marking the culmination of 16 days of
purview of organized economic activities or the government.  Examples:  Activism Against  Gender-Based Violence Campaign. 
✓ Urban Poor  Who developed Magna Carta?  
✓ Children  This was written by Sen. Jamby Madrigal, chairperson of the Senate  Committee on
✓ Senior Citizens  youth, Women and Family Relations Principal Author and Sen Pia  Cayetano- Principal
Sponsor, and Miriam Defensor Santiago. Signed By former  President Gloria Macapagal
✓ Indigenous People  Arroyo.  

✓ Women  When was it implemented?  

✓ Solo Parents  The Act, which is a consolidation of Senate Bill No. 2396 and House Bill  No. 4273, was
finally passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives on  May 19, 2009 and
✓ Migrant Workers 
May 20, 2009, respectively. It was signed into law by Former  President Gloria
✓ Person with Disabilities  Macapagal-Arroyo on August 14, 2009. 

✓ Fisherfolk, Small Farmers, and Rural Workers  Republic Act 9710 also known as Magna Carta for Women was 7 years in  the making
✓ Worker is Formal and Informal Economy 
FOCUS  
− Promote and fulfill the rights of women in all spheres 
− Protection of women from violence  recognized under international  instruments duly signed and ratified by the Philippines,
− Participation and Representation (in policy-making or decision  making bodies in the
regional, national and international level)   
Who formulates the Implementing Rules and Regulations?  
 The Philippine Commission on Women, in coordination with the  Commission on
Human Rights and all concerned departments and agencies  including, as observers,
both Houses of Congress, and with the participation of  representatives from non-
government organizations and civil society groups shall  formulate the implementing
from legislative debates that started in 2002 in 12th congress. 
Reasons why it was implemented  
1. Basic Premise of RA 9710  
Section 8 – “Human Right of Women. All rights in the  Constitution and those rights
in consonance  with Philippine law, shall be rights of woman under this Act to be
enjoyed  without discrimination.” 
Additional Info: The primary basis of RA 9710 is section 8, which  refers to the title
itself, the human rights of women. In other  terms, it is because of promoting women's
human rights,  assessing and eradicating different discrimination against  women.
Consequently, Magna Carta for Women is important  for advancing women's rights and
the Philippine justice system.  Its passage marks a turning point in Philippine history
along with  the status of Filipino women. 
2. The Magna Carta establishes a set of women’s right that are based  primarily on ✓ Security in situation of emergency, armed conflict and  militarization 
international law.  
✓ All government personnel, LCEs, Appointing Authorities and  Executive Managerial
It adopts the definition of discrimination from the Convention  on the Elimination of All positions involved in the protection and  defense of women shall regularly undergo the
Forms of Discrimination Against Women  (CEDAW) and established the legal mandatory  training on Gender and Human Rights 
responsibility of the Philippine  government to protect and promote the right of
✓ All Barangays shall establish a VAW Desk and VAW programs  and services shall be
women. 
ensured at all times 
Additional Info: CEDAW is an international law (agreement)  adopted in 1979 by the UN
2. Safety during calamities and crisis (Protection Security in times of  Disaster,
General Assembly, and is often  described as an international bill of rights for women.
Addition  to that, Magna Carta was enacted in accordance with Philippine   Calamities and other crisis situations) 

✓ The national, regional, and local disasters unit shall prioritize  women, especially
law and international agreements (such CEDAW) to end all  forms of gender
discrimination and advance equality for men  and women  children, the elderly, and pregnant in times  of calamities and crisis. 

✓ LGU’s and concerned agencies shall develop and implement a  gender-responsive

People covered by Magna Carta for Women  
and rights-based work and financial plan  (MSP, sexual violence, safety in evacuation
✓ Age   centers) 

✓ Education   3. Equal representation to participation in politics and governance (Equal 

Representation and participation in Politics and Governance)  ✓ Enable female
✓ Occupation   employees to improve their qualifications and  performance in order to be considered
✓ Profession   for third-level positions ✓ Increase the representation of women on all development 
councils 
✓ Religion  
✓ Representation of women or women’s group in policy and  decision-making bodies
✓ Class/Origin   at the international, national, local  levels and private sectors. 

This law also gives exceptional attention to the condition of girls, the elderly, the  4. Equal treatment of Law  
disabled, marginalized women, and women in especially difficult circumstances. 
✓ Repeat or amend existing laws that are discriminatory against  women 
Women rights According to Magna Carta  
  Family Code:  
1. Protection against violence and abuse (Protection from all forms of  violence,
including those committed by the state)   − ARTICLE 14: The father’s marital consent to the marriage  of a child between the ages
of eighteen (18) and twenty one (21) 
✓ Incremental at least 50-50 ratio of men and women in the  recruitment and training
of women in the Police Force,  Forensics, Medico Legal, Legal/Juridical Services and − ARTICLE 96: Sale of conjugal property by a spouse without  the consent of the other is
Social  Work Services  void, even if separated in fact. 
− ARTICLE 211: The father and the mother shall jointly  exercise parental authority over SECTION 13. Equal Access and Elimination of Discrimination in  Education, Scholarships,
the persons of their  common children.  and Training. 

− ARTICLE 225: The father and the mother shall jointly  exercise legal guardianship over (a) The State shall ensure that gender stereotypes and  
the property of the  
images in educational material and curricula are adequately  and appropriately revised.
unemancipated common child without the necessity of a  court appointment.  Gender-sensitive language shall be  used at all times. Capacity-building on gender and
development (GAD), peace and human rights, education for teachers, and all  those
Revised Penal Code:   involved in the education sector shall be pursued toward  this end. Partnerships
− ARTICLE 334: Concubinage refers to a married man’s  cohabitation with a mistress in between and among players of the  education sector, including the private sector,
the same or conjugal  dwelling, or a married man’s involvement with a woman  who is churches, and  faith groups shall be encouraged. 
not his wife in any other location. The married man’s  sexual intercourse with the (b) Enrollment of women in nontraditional skills  
concubine occurred under  scandalous circumstances. 
training in vocational and tertiary levels shall be encouraged. 
PENALTY: 
(c) Expulsion and non-readmission of women faculty  
➢ For offending husband alone may be punished by a  lower penalty of prison
correccional in its minimum   due to pregnancy outside of marriage shall be outlawed. No  school shall turn out or
refuse admission to a female student  solely on the account of her having contracted
and medium periods (imprisonment which ranges   pregnancy  outside of marriage during her term in school.   
from 6 months and 1 day to a maximum of 4 years and   6. Comprehensive Health Services  
1 day)  ✓ The state shall, at all times, provide for a comprehensive, culture sensitive, and
5. Equal opportunity to get an education (Equality of Educational  Opportunity)   gender-responsive health services and programs  covering all stages of a woman’s life
cycle and which addresses the  major cause of women’s mortality and morbidity.  
CHAPTER IV  
  
Rights and Empowerment: 
Mechanism for implementing the Magna Carta For Women  
Section 11 
All branches and agencies of the government, public universities and  colleges,
B. Development Councils and Plannin  corporations controlled or owned by the government, LGUs and other,  must have a
GAD Plan and Budget every year. The GAD budget is equal to at least  5% of their total
C. Other Policy and Decision-Making Bodies. 
funds. 
CHAPTER IV  
• It will be used in programs and projects by and for women. It also  necessary to build
Rights and Empowerment:  and develop a “GAD Focal Points System” to  accelerate “gender mainstreaming”. 
All government agencies, including local governments (LGUs), are required  by the ✓ Rape Victim Assistance and Protection Act of 1998 (Republic Act No.  8505) 
Magna Carta of Women to promote gender mainstreaming in the  implementation of
the law and its objectives.   ✓ Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 (Republic Act No. 9208)

For LGUs, the law promotes the creation and passing of GAD Codes to  address, based
on consultation, women’s issues in their locality.  ✓ Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004  (Republic Act No.
9262) 
Penalties  
Results After it was imposed on Society  
Under Chapter VI Section 41, General Provisions of Republic Act No. 9710, If the
One of the outcomes of Magna Carta for Women is they have the voice  to speak out
violation is committed by a government agency or any government  office, including
government-owned and controlled corporation and local  government units, the for their right. This included the incremental increase in the  recruitment and training
of women in government services that cater to women  victims of gender-related
person directly responsible for the violation, as well as the  head of the agency or local
chief executive shall be held liable under the Magna  Carta of Women. The sanctions abuses. 
under administrative law, civil service or other  appropriate laws shall be Although there have been significant changes after the law was  implemented, the said
recommended by the Commission on Human Rights to  the Civil Service Commission act is still a long way to go. Misogynistic approaches and  dehumanization of women
and the Department of the Interior and Local  Government.   remains up to this day and a lot of old people still carry  this mindset implying that men
   are greater than women-that women should only  stay at home and serve their
husbands. 
Further, in cases where violence has been proven to be perpetrated by  agents of the
State, such shall be considered aggravating offenses with  corresponding penalties For years they fought for fairness and equality-and in 1215 they found a  way. A peace
treaty, now called the Magna Carta, was made between the barons  and the King
depending on the severity of the offenses. 
ensuring, among many things: all people, including those in power,  were treated
If the violation is committed by a private entity or individual, the person  directly equally under the law. Fair and prompt trials. 
responsible for the violation shall be liable to pay damages. Further, the  offended
party can also pursue other remedies available under the law and can  invoke any of
the other provisions of existing laws, especially those that protect  the rights of women Lesson 4: Current Gender Situation in the Philippines  Introduction  
and children: 
Gender equality is when people of all genders have equal rights,  responsibilities, and
✓ Women in Development and Nation Building Act (Republic Act No.  7192) 
opportunities. Everyone is affected by gender inequality - women, men, trans and
✓ Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuses, Exploitation and  Discrimination gender diverse people,  as well as children and families. 
Act (Republic Act No. 7610) 
Women and the LGBTQIA+ members are probably the most oppressed.  Not everyone
✓ Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995 (Republic Act No. 7877) ✓ Anti-Rape Law of experiences inequality the same way. There might be situations  that could be worse
1977 (Republic Act No. 8353)  and often different especially to those experiencing  discriminations. It impacts people
of all ages and backgrounds. We need gender  equality urgently. Change won’t happen
overnight but still, with little steps  forward, it might not be difficult to achieve that Men who lack the characteristics associated with masculinity face  gender-role conflict.
equality someday. And when the  time comes that we already achieved that goal, there the term "machismo" refers to the belief that men are naturally strong  and
will be little to no violence against women and girls. Gender equality is essential for independent (Ortiz, 2018). It is the systemic and most oppressive idea that  prevents
economic prosperity.  Societies that value women and men as equal are safer and men from expressing their emotions. 
healthier. Gender  equality is a human right. Everyone benefits from gender equality. 
Unfortunately, misogyny is "firmly ingrained in Philippine society and  culture,"
But sadly, a minimal observation will still prove how, all throughout the  passing years, according to educator and activist Betty Romero (Santos, 2018). What is rarely
we continue to be under this setback. Perhaps that setback pertains  to close-minded analyzed are the varieties of men and the varieties of  masculinities which are not
people and those who have regressive beliefs and ideologies.  And that setback necessarily problematic, but often destabilizing,  contradictory, and unsettling, and
disallows the society to evolve and become open-minded  thereby making a way for sometimes disempowering” said Angeles  (2001) in her study about Filipino
stereotypes and discrimination against genders;  specifically women and members of masculinity. 
the marginalized communities i.e LGBTQIA+  allies who continue to withstand the
The narrow lens on toxic masculinity could cause a variety of issues  among men with
unreasonable bigots who regardless of all  the evidence in front of them, still think that
oppression toward the individuals  they discriminate or view as inferior does not exist.  highly masculine beliefs such as bullying, domestic abuse, and  sexual assault (Medical,
n.d.). Furthermore, toxic masculinity tends to glorify  unhealthy beliefs and habits. The
Current Situation of Men in the Philippines   idea that “self-care is for women” discourages  men from seeing doctors (Morin,
2020). 
Patriarchy - is a social system created by men to cater men. This social  structure
reinforces the notion that men as a collective group are the more  powerful gender. Current Situation of Women in the Philippines  
Men are said to be superior because they are "biologically  aggressive and dominating,"
The Philippines is the top country in Asia to have closed the gender gap  on both
whereas women are expected to be "weak,  subservient, and modest." (Australian,
2020).  education and health and is one of only six (6) in the world to have done  so. 

The current situation of women in the Philippines is best described as  having sharp
In the 90s, there was a popular song in the Philippines titled “Ang Tipo  Kong Lalaki”
[The type of guy I like; our translation] by DJ Alvaro that expressed a  desire for a contradictions. 
certain type of Philippine Masculinity of that time.  The country's scores on political empowerment also continues to  improve as shown on
Up until now, men are pressured to maintain macho ideals at the risk of  judgment. economic indicators such as estimated income, labor force  participation and income
equality for similar work of different genders. 
Social expectations and gender roles dictate that they should be “the  breadwinners of
their family, they shouldn’t show any form of emotions and they  must display While some women in the country are still experiencing violence and  discrimination
themselves with “masculine” traits of aggression, stoicism, physical  strength, and related to gender, it is more prevalent in conflict-affected areas  like Mindanao. 
dominance at all times”. 
In the education sector, though not done that often in the country these  days,
Toxic masculinity is defined as the "manifestation of masculinity that  coerces stereotypes are still being imposed on women, specifically those from the  rural areas. 
constraints in conduct and reiterates the power dominance of males with  social,
financial, and cultural capital, mainly rich white misogynistic men.  Women have been commodified and exposed to sexual and physical  abuse. They are
expected to “suffer in silence with a smile” because they can  “handle it.” 
In the area of legislative reforms, the Philippines has ensured the  protection of women Generally, most of the discrimination and abuses related to gender that  happens in the
against economic, social and political forms of  discrimination. The country has passed country stems from the patriarchal beliefs deeply ingrained in the  minds of the people.
important laws like the: • Rape Victim Assistance and Protection Act of 1998  Sometimes, while the intent is not to discriminate, it turns  out to be so, because that
was how we were raised. At times, even men  themselves become victims of these
• Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995  backward beliefs if they happen to appear  "too effeminate." 
• Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004  Women in the country are slowly being given enough rights, and a lot of  organizations
Current Gender Situation of LGBTQIA+ Community in the Philippines  Lesbian, Gay, in the country are now pushing for more equality. So far, the  Philippines has
Bisexual, Transgendered, Queer, Intersex, Asexual  (LGBTQIA+) community are facing consistently been the top in Asia when it comes to closing the  gender gap. On the
harassments and a law that can protect them  is being passed on the senate but there other hand, this does not mean that the whole society already  views women and men
are people who wants to oppose it  especially the religious groups which claimed that as equal as abuses and discrimination are still happening  from time to time. 
Anti-Discrimination Bill or the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Expression While the Philippines is considered as one of the most accepting  countries for the
(SOGIE) Bill is against the  traditional beliefs.  members of LGBT, we still cannot say that they are already fully  accepted by the
Philippine society and culture maintain much prejudice towards the  LGBT community society. Unfortunately, a lot of people only view them as  “comedic-relief” and
and lacks basic sensitivity and recognition of the LGBT rights. Although a number of potential “center of the jokes.” A lot of Filipinos only love 
laws mention sexual orientation or address same sex relations, such as The Magna them for the sake of humor, but will disappear from the scene when their rights  are
Carta on Women, oftentimes the references  have negative impact on the human rights being talked about. 
of LGBTs. 
In conclusion, the situation of the Philippines when it comes to gender  equality is so
The judiciary has made several favorable and unfavorable precedents in  the legal much better in comparison to that of other countries. We are  definitely getting on the
treatment of LGBTs and intersexed persons.  right track. While this is something we can applaud, that  does not mean that we can
The Supreme Court ruled against a ministerial decision of the  Commission on Elections already celebrate. As long as equality is not fully  achieved by every gender, we still
that denied accreditation from Ladlad, an LGBT party  list, to run as a political party. have a lot to do. No one deserves to live in fear  of not being accepted, and being
The Supreme Court also rendered a decision that  denied the rights of transgenders to discriminated just for expressing who they truly  are.
self-determination and legal changes of identity. 

Several acts of discrimination towards the members of the LGBTQIA+  Community are
continuously happening across the Philippines in different  circumstances which only
proves how most Filipinos don’t value and acknowledge  their basic rights as people of
this country. On the bright side, the Philippines is known to be one of the most LGBT
friendly countries in Asia, despite its deeply entrenched Catholic culture.   

Summary