I.
The Three Dimensions of Gender
1.) Body - Our body, our experience of our own body, how
society genders bodies, and how others interact with us
based on our body.
Gender Expression is expressed in our body.
Gender expression includes any external displays of
gender identification, such as actions, attire, haircuts, and
other observable characteristics. It is an illustration of how
people express their gender to the outside world. People
can express their gender in ways that go against society
standards and expectations since gender expression is not
always linked to gender identity.
2.) Identity - the name we use to convey our gender based
on our internal sense of self. identity is each person's
internal and individual experience of gender. It is their
sense of being a woman, a man, both, neither, or
anywhere along the gender spectrum. A person's gender
identity may be the same as or different from their birth-
assigned sex. Gender identity is fundamentally different
from a person's sexual orientation.
3.) Social - is how we present our gender in the world
(including clothing, hairstyles, mannerisms) and how
individuals, society, culture, and community perceive,
interact with, and try to shape our gender.
Gender Roles means how we're expected to act,
speak, dress, groom, and conduct ourselves based upon
our assigned sex. These are the behaviors, attitudes and
actions that society feels are appropriate or inappropriate
for a man or woman, boy or girl, according to cultural
norms and traditions.
Congruence – Gender congruence is the feeling of
harmony in our gender. It is when the body, identity and
social elements align with each other and allow a sense of
comfort in our body as it relates to gender.
FOUR AGENTS OF SOCIALIZATION
1. Home (Family)
• first and most important agent of gender
socialization
• Parents and other caregivers play a crucial role in
teaching children about gender roles and
expectations
o They do this through their own behavior,
the toys and activities they provide, and
the messages they send about what it
means to be a boy or a girl.
o For example, parents may dress their
sons in blue and their daughters in pink,
buy them different types of toys, and
encourage them to engage in different
activities.
2. School (Miniature society)
• play a role in gender socialization
• Teachers, textbooks, and the curriculum can all
reinforce traditional gender roles
o For example, teachers may be more likely
to call on boys in class, and textbooks
may depict men and women in different
roles.
o In extracurricular activities, boys may be
more encouraged to join sports teams
while girls might be directed towards
activities that are associated with choir or
certain types of clubs.
3. Peer Group/s
• are one of the key agents of socialization,
consisting of individuals who are roughly the
same age and share similar social statuses and
interests.
• Peer groups can include friends, classmates, co-
workers, and others who are not part of the
family or educational institution.
o Your peers have their own rules and
values. You follow these to fit in and be
accepted. Sometimes, they can pressure
you into doing things you might not want
to. (peer pressure)
o Your friends give you emotional support
and a sense of belonging. They can also
affect how you see yourself. You might
compare yourself to them and feel good
or bad about it.
o Being with your peers helps you learn
how to talk to others, solve problems,
and work together. It's where you build
your identity and try out different things.
4. Mass Media
• Media, including TV, movies, and advertising,
often portray and reinforce gender stereotypes
and expectations
• In television and movies, women have less
significant roles and are often portrayed as wives
or mothers.
• According to Etaugh & Bridges 2003, if women
are given a lead role, it often falls into one of two
extremes:
Types of Gender Discrimination:
• Unequal Opportunities: Denying individuals
access to certain opportunities, resources, or
privileges based on their gender. This can include
limitations in education, employment, or career
advancement.
• Wage Gap: Pay disparities between individuals of
different genders for performing the same or
similar work. The gender pay gap is a well-
documented example of economic gender
discrimination.
 • Stereotyping: Preconceived and fixed ideas about
the roles, behaviors, and characteristics
associated with a particular gender. Stereotyping
can lead to biased judgments and decisions in
various contexts.
• Harassment: Unwanted and offensive behavior or
treatment directed at an individual based on their
gender. Sexual harassment is a common form of
gender-based harassment in workplaces and
other settings.
• Violence: Gender discrimination can manifest as
physical, emotional, or psychological violence
based on an individual's gender. This includes
domestic violence, sexual assault, and other
forms of gender- based violence.
• Unequal Access to Education: Limiting or denying
educational opportunities to individuals based on
their gender. This can include biased enrollment
policies, lack of support for certain fields of study,
or discouragement from pursuing education.
• Denial of Reproductive Rights: Discrimination
related to reproductive health and rights,
including limitations on access to family planning,
pregnancy discrimination, or barriers to
reproductive healthcare.
• Workplace Discrimination: Unfair treatment in
the workplace based on gender, such as biased
hiring practices, promotion denials, or the
creation of a hostile work environment.
• Cultural and Social Norms: Societal expectations
and norms that reinforce traditional gender roles
and perpetuate discriminatory attitudes and
behaviors.
LAWS SUPPORTING SEXUALITY AND GENDER
1. Republic Act No. 11313-Safe Spaces Act or "Bawal-
Bastos Law"
- 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.
- signed by former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on April
17, 2019.
2. Republic Act No. 9262 - Anti-Violence Against Women
and their Children Act
-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.
-The State shall exert efforts to address violence
committed against women and children in keeping with
the fundamental freedoms guaranteed under the
Constitution and the Provisions of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights, the convention on the
Elimination of all forms of discrimination Against Women,
Convention on the Rights of the Child and other
international human rights instruments of which the
Philippines is a party.
-signed by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on
March 08, 2004
3. Republic Act No. 9710 - The Magna Carta of Women
-Recognizing that the economic, political, and
sociocultural realities affect women's current condition,
the State affirms the role of women in nation building and
ensures the substantive equality of women and men.
- It shall promote empowerment of women and pursue
equal opportunities for women and men and ensure
equal access to resources and to development results and
outcome.
- a comprehensive women's human rights law that seeks
to eliminate discrimination through the recognition,
protection, fulfilment, 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.
4. Republic Act No. 7877 – Anti-Sexual Harassment Act
- An act declaring Sexual Harassment Unlawful in the
Employment, Education or Training and for other
purposes, was enacted on February 14, 1995 and became
effective Environment on March 5, 1995.
-The State shall value the dignity of every individual,
enhance the guarantee fell respect for human rights, and
uphold the dignity students or those undergoing training,
instruction or education.
-Towards this end, all forms of sexual harassment in the
hereby declared unlawful.
-signed by the late President Fidel V. Ramos on February
14, 1995.
5. Republic Act No. 8353 - Anti-Rape Law of 1997
- An Act Expanding the Definition of the Crime of Rape,
Reclassifying the same as a crime against persons,
Amending for the Purpose Act No. 3815, as Amended,
otherwise known as The Revised Penal Code, and for
other purposes.
- SEC. 2. Rape as a Crime Against Persons.
Gender Sensitivity at Home
Gender sensitivity begins at home, where the
foundations of attitudes and behaviors are laid. Promoting
gender sensitivity at home is crucial for fostering a healthy
and equitable environment. Here are practical ways to
achieve gender sensitivity within the household:
➤ Talk about it: Embrace talking to your kids
about gender equality and women's rights.
➤ Open Communication: Encourage open
discussions about gender roles and stereotypes. ➤ Share
the care work: Shared household chores and equal
participation in childcare can demonstrate gender
sensitivity to children.
➤ Equal Opportunities: Ensure that all family
members, regardless of gender, have equal access to
opportunities, resources, and privileges within the home.
➤ Respect for Individual Choices: Respect and
support each family member's choices, whether related
to education, career, hobbies, or personal preferences.
Gender Sensitivity in School
In the area of education, fostering gender
sensitivity lays the foundation for creating inclusive,
respectful, and equitable learning environments.
Recognizing the diverse experiences and aspirations of
students, irrespective of gender, is not merely an ethical
choice but a fundamental necessity. Promoting gender
sensitivity in schools is essential for creating an inclusive
and empowering educational environment. Here are key
aspects to consider:
➤ Inclusive Curriculum: Ensure that the
curriculum reflects a diversity of perspectives,
contributions, and achievements of individuals regardless
of gender.
➤ Use Gender-Neutral Languages: Use inclusive
and gender-neutral language in both verbal and written
communication. Avoid reinforcing stereotypes through
language and encourage students to do the same.
➤ Gender-Sensitive Teaching Practices: Be
mindful of teaching methods and classroom interactions
that may inadvertently reinforce gender stereotypes.
Encourage collaborative learning and participation from
all students.
➤ Equal Opportunities: Provide equal
opportunities for all students, irrespective of their gender,
in academic and extracurricular activities.
Gender Sensitivity Within Peers
Gender sensitivity within peer relationships refers
to the awareness, understanding, and respect for diverse
gender identities and expressions among individuals in a
peer group. It involves creating an inclusive and
supportive environment that recognizes and values the
differences related to gender.
➤ Inclusive Language: Using language that is
inclusive and avoids reinforcing stereotypes or
assumptions based on gender. For instance, using "Hey
everyone" instead of saying "Hey guys" acknowledges and
includes people of all genders.
➤ Supportive Atmosphere: Creating a supportive
atmosphere where individuals feel comfortable
expressing their gender identity without fear of judgment
or discrimination.
➤ Respect for Diversity: Fostering an
environment where individuals acknowledge and
appreciate the diversity of gender identities, including
non-binary, transgender, and gender-nonconforming.
➤ Respecting Pronouns: When a friend shares
their pronouns (e.g., they/them), make an effort to use
those pronouns consistently. Respecting and using correct
pronouns demonstrates consideration for a friend's
gender identity and fosters an environment of
acceptance.
➤ Supporting Gender Equality: Peers can
contribute to a more gender-sensitive atmosphere by
actively supporting and advocating for equal treatment
and opportunities for people of all genders. For example,
engaging in conversations that promote gender equality
and challenging stereotypes when they arise.
Gender Sensitivity in Mass Media
In mass media, gender sensitivity means being
fair and respectful to everyone, no matter their gender.
It's about showing men and women in diverse roles and
avoiding stereotypes. This is important because what we
see in the media can influence our ideas about how
people should behave. Promoting gender sensitivity helps
create a media environment that reflects the real diversity
of people's lives and experiences. Here are ways to
achieve gender sensitivity in mass media.
➤ Diverse Representation: Ensure diverse and
accurate representation of genders in media
content, portraying a range of roles, professions,
and lifestyles.
➤ Avoiding Stereotypes: Refrain from
perpetuating gender stereotypes and challenge
traditional norms through storytelling,
characters, and narratives
 ➤ Inclusive Language: Use gender-neutral
language whenever possible and promote inclusive
terminology to avoid reinforcing gender biases.

➤ Equal Opportunities: Provide equal

opportunities for men and women in media roles,
including writers, directors, producers, and on-screen
talent.

➤ Training for Media Professionals: Provide

training for media professionals on gender sensitivity,
unconscious biases, and the importance of diverse and
inclusive representation.

➤ Highlighting Achievements: Celebrate and talk

about the achievements of both men and women. This
helps break the idea that only one gender can be
successful or do important things.

➤Encouraging Open Discussions: In TV shows or

articles, talk openly about gender issues. This helps
people understand different perspectives and learn from
each other, creating a more understanding and supportive
community.

➤ Including LGBTQ+ Stories: Show stories about

people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or
queer in the media. This helps everyone see that love and
identity can be diverse, promoting acceptance and
understanding.

➤ Checking for Biases: Before publishing or airing

something, check if there are any unfair ideas about
gender. If there are, try to fix them so that the media is
fair to everyone.

WHAT ABOUT THE SOGIE BILL?

House Bill No. 4982 or "An Act Prohibiting Discrimination

on the Basis of Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity or
Expression (SOGIE) and Providing Penalties Therefor" is
the first of its kind in the country.

Purposes:

-The bill seeks to criminalize discrimination on the basis of

sexual orientation and gender identity and expression.