GENDER HISTORY THE HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE ON
GENDER IDENTITY
The study of how societies have
understood and organized gender throughout
time. It examines how gender roles,
identities, and expressions have changed
across different cultures and periods. Gender
history also explores the way in which gender
has been used as a tool of power and
oppression.
THE EVOLUTION OF GENDER ROLES
AND EXPECTATIONS
Throughout history, gender roles have
been fluid and constantly evolving, shaped by
social, cultural, and economic factors. For
instance, in ancient societies, women often
held significant power and influence, while in
other periods, they were relegated to
domestic roles.
● Ancient Greece: Women were largely
confined to domestic sphere, while
men held positions of power in
politics, military, and intellectual
pursuit.
● Medieval Europe: Women’s roles
were further restricted, with their
primary responsibilities being
marriage, childbearing, and
household management.
● Enlightenment Era: the
enlightenment brought a shift in
thinking about gender, with
philosophers advocating for greater
equality between men and women.
● 20th Century: the 20th Century
witnessed significant changes in
gender roles, with women gaining
greater access to education,
employment, and political
participation.
The concept of gender identity has
undergone significant transformations over
time. In some cultures, gender was
determined by biological sex, while in others,
it was based on social roles, spiritual beliefs
or personal inclinations.
Among the Sakalva of Madagascar,
boys were considered feminine in
appearance. Were raised as girls and believed
to have supernatural protection that
prevented them from being harm.
In Hawaii, Kanaka Malawi, indigenous
societies had the Mahu who could align with
any biological sex but express a gender role
that was in between masculine and feminine
The Burrnesha of Albania are women
who have sworn a vow of chastity and
dresses men. A tradition that dates back as
the 1400s.
● Ancient Egypt: Gender was seen as a
spectrum, with individuals classified
as male, female, or sekhem( a third
gender)
● Native American Cultures: Many
native American cultures have
recognized gender identities that
exist outside the male/female binary.
● Ancient India: the concept of Tritiya-
prakriti (third nature) encompassed
gender identities that transcended
the binary.
Medieval Europe: During the Middle
Ages, gender identity was primarily
determined by biological sex, and individuals
who deviated from this were often
marginalized or punished.
 THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL AND
CULTURAL FACTORS ON GENDER
EXPRESSION
Gender expression, the outward
manifestation of one’s gender identity, is
heavily influenced by societal norms and
expectations.
● Clothing
● Hairstyles
● Mannerisms
● Behavior
● Cultural Norms
HISTORICAL EXAMPLES OF GENDER
NONCONFORMITY AND GENDER
EXPRESSION
Throughout history, there have been
numerous examples of individuals who
challenged traditional gender norms and
expressed their gender identities in ways that
diverge from societal expectations. These
individuals, often labeled as “gender
nonconformist” or “gender variants,” have
played a crucial role in expanding our
understanding of gender beyond the binary.
Joan of Arc
In the 15th Century, Joan of Arc defied
gender norms by dressing in men’s clothing
and leading French troops in battle.
Chevalier d’Eon
In the 18th Century, Chevalier d’Eon
lived a double life as male diplomat and a
female spy.
Marsha P. Johnson
In the 1960s, Marsha P. Johnson, a
prominent figure in the stonewall Riots,
defied gender norms and advocated for
transgender rights.
THE IMPACT OF HISTORICAL GENDER
DYNAMICS ON CONTEMPORARY
GENDER IDENTITY AND EXPRESSION
The historical evolution of gender roles,
expectations, and expressions continues to
shape contemporary understanding of
gender. The ongoing struggle for gender
diversity are rooted in historical context of
gender relations.
GENDER SPECTRUM
Is a concept that recognizes that gender is
not a binary but rather a spectrum with a
wide range of identities and expressions. This
spectrum includes identities such as
transgender, genderqueer, and non-binary,
which defy the traditional male/female
dichotomy.
UNDERSTANDING THE GENDER
BINARY AND BEYOND
The concept of the gender binary, which
categorizes individuals as either male or
female, has been challenged by the
recognition of a wider spectrum of gender
identities. The gender spectrum
encompasses a range of identities, including
transgender, genderqueer, and non-binary,
which defy the confines of the traditional
binary.
EXPLORING THE DIVERSITY OF
GENDER IDENTITIES
The human experience of gender is incredibly
diverse, encompassing a vast array of
identities that extend beyond the traditional
male/female dichotomy. Understanding and
respecting this diversity is essential for
creating a more inclusive and equitable
society.
● Transgender- whose gender identity
differs from the sex they were
assigned at birth.
 ● Genderqueer- whose gender identity ● Respect individuals’ gender identities
does not fit neatly into the categories and expressions.
of male or female.
● Support gender-diverse individuals
● Non-binary- whose gender identity and organizations.
falls outside the traditional
● Educate yourself about gender
male/female binary,
stereotypes and their negative
● Agender- individual who do not impacts.
identify with any particular gender.

● Genderfluid- individuals whose

gender identity changes over time.

THE ROLE OF GENDER EXPRESSION IN

SELF-IDENTIFICATION

Gender expression, the way individuals

present their gender to the world, plays a
significant role in their self-identification. And
overall well-being. Allowing individuals to
express their gender authentically is crucial
for their personal fulfillment and social
integration.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF GENDER

PRONOUNS AND GENDERED
LANGUAGE

Gender pronouns, such as “he,” “she,” and

“they,” are essential tools for respecting and
affirming individuals’ gender identities. Using
the correct pronouns demonstrates respect
for an individual’s identity and foster a more
inclusive environment.

ADDRESSING GENDER STEROTYPES

AND PROMOTIN GENDER INCLUSIVITY

Gender stereotypes, oversimplified

generalizations about the characteristics of
men and women, can perpetuate harmful
biases and limit individuals’ potential.
Addressing gender stereotypes and
promoting gender inclusivity is essential for
creating a more equitable society where
everyone can thrive.

● Use inclusive language and avoid GENDER ROLES AND

gendered assumption. SOCIALIZATION
SOCIALIZATION  Help the child get along with other
kids
 Socialization is the process by which
children and adults learn from  Responsible for inculcating
others. knowledge and skill, which prepare
them for adulthood and become
 Many people think that socialization
productive and effective citizens of
is especially important for infants and
the country.
children.
WORKPLACE
 Phycologists now realize that
socialization continuous all across the  How will fare out or work
life span, as long as people continue
 Learns to socialize to a company’s
to learn from social experiences.
norms and values
Gender Socialization is the tendency for
 Eventually, there is commitment
boys and girls to be socialized differently.
wherein the work becomes a part of
Boys are raised to conform to the male the person’s self-identity.
gender role and girls are raised to
MASS MEDIA
conform to the female gender role.
 Function to inform, entertain and
A Gender Role is a set of behaviors,
educate
attitudes, and personality characteristics
expected and encouraged of a person based  Designed to reach a large audience
on his or her sex.
 Influences our opinion on almost
Gender Socialization refers to the process every issue that is sometimes good
when human beings are transformed into and sometimes bad
masculine and feminine being.
PEERS
Gender socialization occurs through
 Informal grouping of two or more
five major agents of socialization:
members, more or less of the same
• At Home age, neighborhood or school.
• School
 Is the one agency of socialization not
• Peer
controlled primarily by adults.
• Workplace
• Mass Media  Becomes an important reference
AT HOME group.
 The family plays an important role
and has especial responsibility in the
socialization of a child

 The family is the most influential

group in a child’s life. THEORIES OF GENDER
AT SCHOOL SOCIALIZATION: SOCIAL LEARNING
THEORY
  Children learn gender roles directly
through:
Rewards which reinforce appropriate
behavior
Punishments which extinguish inappropriate
behavior
 Children learn gender roles indirectly
through:
Observation and imitation
Continuous gender role reinforcement
 Gender socialization for boys
- fathers are not as available
- often told what not to do, rather than what
to do
- view gender in more stereotypical and rigid
manner than girls
- hostility toward girls, homosexuality, cross-
gendered behavior in other boys
 Gender socialization for girls
- Model behaviors that are less
socially valued
- Cross-gender behavior is
more acceptable
TYPES OF SOCIALIZATION
- it is not only do individual change
roles within groups, but they also change
membership-groups
5. Broad Socialization
- it is intended to promote
independence, individualism and self-
expression
6. Narrow Socialization
- it is intended to promote obedient
and conformity
7. Natural Socialization
- occurs when infants and young
starts to explore, play and discover the social
world
8. Positive Socialization
- positive socialization is the social
learning that is best on pleasure existing
experience
9. Negative socialization
- negative socialization occurred
when others use punishment.

1. Primary socialization

- it takes place in the early years of

life of the new born individual

2. Development socialization

- this kind of learning is based on the

achievements of primary socialization

3. Anticipatory socialization

- men not only learn the culture of

the group of which they are immediate
members

4. Re Socialization
 GENDER DISCRIMINATION
AND GENDER INEQUALITIES
Gender discrimination is when someone is
treated unequally or disadvantageously
based on their gender but not necessarily in a
sexual nature. This includes
harassment/discrimination based on sex,
gender identity, or gender expression.
Employment Discrimination
This includes unequal pay, limited job
opportunities, occupational segregation, and
biased hiring, and promotion practices.
It can manifest in limited access to quality
education, lower enrollment rates for girls,
gender stereotypes in curriculum and
teaching materials, and unequal
opportunities for girls in pursuing higher
education and certain fields of study.
Political Discrimination
Women are often underrepresented in
political leadership roles. This can be due to
barriers such as gender bias, cultural norms,
and discriminatory practices.
Violence and Harassment
Gender-based violence, including domestic
violence, sexual assault, and harassment, is a
significant issue affecting both women and
men. Women are disproportionately affected
by such violence, and societal norms and
attitudes often perpetuate victim-blaming
and impurity for perpetrators.
Health and Reproductive Rights
Discrimination
Women may face barriers in accessing
reproductive healthcare, including
contraception, safe abortion, and maternal
healthcare.
Discriminations in Cultural and Social
Norms
Norms that limit opportunities for women,
restrict their autonomy, and reinforce
harmful gender roles and expectations.
Legal and Policy Frameworks
Discrimination
Things such as lack of legal protection and
ineffective implementation of existing laws
can contribute to gender disparities.
Home Discrimination
It refers to unequal treatment and
opportunities based on gender within the
household.
Mass Media Discrimination
Media often portrays women as overly
sexualized objects, primarily displayed just
for their physical appearance.
Gender inequality is discrimination on the
basis of sex or gender causing one sex or
gender to be routinely privileged or
prioritized over another.
Economic Inequality
This refers to the disparities of income,
wealth, and economic opportunities.
Education Inequality
The unequal access to quality education can
perpetuate social and economic disparities.
Factors such as inadequate school resource,
limited educational opportunities in
marginalized communities, and
discrimination can contribute to educational
inequality.
Health Inequality
Health services can be influenced by factors
such as socioeconomic status, race, gender,
and graphical location. Marginalized groups
often face higher rate of illness, limited
access to healthcare, and poorer health
outcomes.
Social Inequalities
Gender discriminations can happen within
employment, education, politics, violence
and harassments, health and reproductive
rights, cultural and social norms, legal and
policy frameworks, home, and mass media.
On the other hand, gender inequality is
discrimination on the basis of sex or gender
causing one sex or gender to be routinely
privileged or prioritized over another.

This encompasses various dimensions, Gender inequality happens in the different

including social status, power, and aspects of our lives- economy, education,
opportunities. health, social, environmental, politics, and
culture.
Environmental Inequalities

Certain communities bear a disproportionate

burden of environmental hazards and
pollution.

Political Inequality

This can result from barriers such as voter

suppression, unequal campaign financing,
and underrepresentation of certain groups in
political institutions.

Cultural Inequality

It can arise from the dominance of certain

cultural norms, values, and practices, which
can marginalize and exclude other cultural
groups. This can limit opportunities for
cultural expression, representation, and
participation.

Conclusions:

Gender discrimination is when someone is

treated unequally or disadvantageously
based on their gender but not necessarily in a
sexual nature. This includes
harassment/discrimination based on sex,
gender identity, or gender expression.

LAWS SUPPORTING
SEXUALITY AND GENDER
Legal frameworks for sexuality and
gender rights play a pivotal role in
safeguarding individuals against
discrimination and ensuring equal
opportunities. They provide a foundation for
recognizing diverse identities, protecting
against prejudice, and fostering a more
inclusive society. These frameworks
contribute to the protection of fundamental
human rights and promote social justice by
acknowledging the dignity and equality of all
individuals, regardless of their sexual
orientation or gender identity.
SEXUALITY refers to the complex interplay
of biological, emotional, romantic, and sexual
attractions that individuals experience. It
encompasses a spectrum of orientations,
including heterosexuality, homosexuality,
bisexuality, and more.
GENDER refers to the roles, behaviors,
activities, expectations, and societal norms
associated with being male or female. It is
distinct from biological sex and is a social and
cultural construct that varies across different
societies and historical periods.
LGBTQ+ RIGHTS
LGBTQ+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual,
transgender, queer/questioning, and other
identities. LGBTQ+ rights encompass the legal
and social advocacy for the equal treatment,
protection, and recognition of individuals
regardless of their sexual orientation, gender
identity, or expression. These rights seek to
eliminate discrimination and ensure fair
treatment in various aspects of life, including
employment, education, and relationships.
SIGNIFICANT LAWS OR
DEVELOPMENTS REGARDING
SEXUALITY AND GENDER
Laws play a crucial role in protecting
sexuality and gender rights by establishing a
framework that promotes equality, non-
discrimination, and human dignity. They
provide a legal basis for safeguarding
individuals from discrimination based on
their sexual orientation, gender identity, or
expression. These laws contribute to
fostering a more inclusive and tolerant
society, ensuring that everyone can live freely
and without fear of persecution or prejudice.
Additionally, legal protections empower
individuals to seek justice when their rights
are violated, ultimately contributing to the
overall advancement of human rights and
social progress.
INTERNATIONAL LAWS
Several international laws and conventions
contribute to the protection of sexuality and
gender rights. Some notable ones include)
INTERNATIONAL COVENANBT ON
CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS (ICCPR)
Guarantees the right to privacy, freedom
from discrimination, and protection of
individuals' dignity, encompassing principles
relevant to sexuality and gender rights.
UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF
HUMAN RIGHTS (UDHR)
Affirms the right to freedom from
discrimination on various grounds, including
sex, and provides a foundational framework
for subsequent conventions.
Convention on the elimination of all forms
of discrimination against women (cedaw)
Addresses gender-based discrimination and
highlights the importance of ensuring
equality in various aspects of life, including
legal rights.
International covenant on economic social
and cultural rights (icescr)
Recognizes the right to work, education, and
health without discrimination, contributing to
the protection of individuals irrespective of
their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Convention against torture and other
cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or
punishment (cat)
Prohibits torture and cruel treatment, with
implications for protecting individuals from
harmful practices related to their sexuality or
gender identity.
Yogyakarta principles
A set of principles on the application of
international human rights law in relation to
sexual orientation and gender identity,
providing guidance for governments and
institutions.
African charter on human and people’s
rights
Asserts the rights and freedoms of
individuals, addressing the need for non-
discrimination and equality, relevant to
sexuality and gender issues.
European convention on human rights
(echr)
Protects fundamental rights, including the
right to respect for private and family life,
with implications for issues related to
sexuality and gender.
inter-american convention on the
prevention, punishment and eradication of
violence against women (belem do para
convention)
Focuses on preventing and combating
violence against women, addressing gender-
based violence.
NATIONAL LAWS
the Philippines has made progress in
recognizing and protecting the rights of
individuals based on sexuality and gender.
Some key laws include:
Anti – sexual harassment act of 1995 (ra
7877)
Addresses sexual harassment in the
workplace, providing protection against
unwelcome sexual advances and creating
mechanisms for reporting and addressing
such incidents.
Hiv/aids policy act of 1998 (ra 8504)
Promotes policies for the prevention and
control of HIV/AIDS, with provisions
addressing discrimination based on a
person's HIV status.
Anti violence against women and their
children act of 2004 (ra 9262)
While primarily addressing violence against
women and children, this law is inclusive of
diverse gender identities and recognizes the
need for protection and support.
Expanded anti – trafficking in persons act
of 2012 (ra 10364)
Focuses on preventing and penalizing human
trafficking, recognizing the vulnerabilities
faced by LGBTQ+ individuals who may be at
higher risk.
Gender responsive basic education policy
(deped order no. 32, s – 2013)
Issued by the Department of Education, it
promotes gender sensitivity and inclusivity in
educational institutions, addressing issues
related to sexuality and gender.
Anti – discrimination bill (sogie equality
bill)
As of my last update, this bill aimed to
protect individuals from discrimination based
on sexual orientation, gender identity, and
expression (SOGIE). It was undergoing
legislative processes, and its status may have
changed.
ra 9710
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 to
the marginalized sectors of society.
Ra 6725
an act strengthening the prohibition on
discrimination against women with respect to
terms and conditions of employment,
amending for the purpose article one
hundred thirty-five of the labor code, as
amended.
Ra 7192
The State recognizes the role of women in
nation building and shall ensure the
fundamental equality before the law of
women and men. The State shall provide
women rights and opportunities equal to that
of men.
Ra 7600
The State adopts rooming-in as a national
policy to encourage, protect and support the
practice of breastfeeding. It shall create an
environment where basic physical,
emotional, and psychological needs of
mothers and infants are fulfilled through the
practice of rooming-in and breastfeeding.
LOCAL LAWS
1. Anti-discrimination laws protecting
individuals based on gender and sexual
orientation
2. Gender-inclusive language requirements in
official documents and forms
3. Support services for LGBTQ+ youth
4. Protections for transgender individuals to
use public restrooms that align with their
gender identity
5. Funding for LGBTQ+ community centers
and organizations
6. Hate crime legislation that includes gender
and sexuality as protected categories
7. Health care coverage for gender-affirming
treatments and procedures
8. Mandatory training for law enforcement
and public officials on LGBTQ+ issues
9. Gender-neutral housing options in public
accommodations
10. Inclusive sex education curriculum in
schools
11. Availability of legal gender recognition for
transgender individuals
12. Accessible and affordable mental health
services for LGBTQ+ individuals
These international, national and
local instruments collectively contribute to a
framework that emphasizes the universality
of human rights including those related to
sexuality and gender. While these
conventions provide essential guidelines,
their effectiveness often depends on the
willingness of individual nations to
implement the enforce these principles
within their legal systems.

The global landscape regarding laws

supporting sexuality and gender is diverse
and continually evolving. The global
landscape reflects a mix of progress and
challenges with ongoing efforts to establish
comprehensive legal frameworks that
support and protect the rights of individuals
across the spectrum of sexuality and gender
identity.
 GENDER SENSITIVITY AND
GENDER RESPONSIVENESS
GENDER SENSITIVITY
– Is to understand and give consideration to
socio-cultural norms and discriminations in
order to acknowledge the different rights,
roles & responsibilities of women and men in
the community and the relationships
between them.
Being Gender Sensitive is understanding
that this:
• SEEING – women and men, what
they actually do, rather than relying
on assumptions
• HEARING – women and men, their
needs, priorities and perspectives
• COUNTING – valuation of women’s
work
• RESPECTING – women and men’s
views and human rights
• CARING – about women and men
and what happen to them through
development programs
Being Gender Sensitive is Respecting the
Rights of Every Person
• The Right to Property (Article 17)
• The Right to Social Security and to ECS
Rights (Article 22)
• The Right to Work (Article 23)
• The Right to Rest and Leisure (Article 24)
• The Right to an Adequate Standard of Living
(Article 25)
• The Right to Education (Article 26)
• The Right to Participate in Cultural Life
(Article 27)
DEFINE SEX AND GENDER
SEX
• - Born with
• - cannot be changed
• - only women can give birth
• - Only men can produce sperm
GENDER
• Socially constructed
• Changeable
• Women can do traditionally men jobs
• Men can take good of children
The confusion between sex and gender
gives rise to such stereotypes as:
WOMEN
• - Physically weak;
• They need to be protected by men;
• Timidity, passivity.
MEN
• - Physically stronger;
• They are the protectors of women.
• Has the ability to control emotions.
Being Gender Sensitive is to end GENDER
STEREOTYPES
• It is the tendency or attitude, to ascribe
particular traits, characteristics and roles
distinctly to men and particular traits,
characteristics, roles distinctly to women.
• The assumption behind stereotyping is that
the ascribed attributes of men apply to all
men and that of women apply to all women
in a given society.
How then can you say that one is gender
sensitive?
You respect every person/individual,
regardless of age, ability (physical or mental),
belief/religion, educational attainment, race,
ethnic group, status in society, marital status,
region of origin, color, sexual orientation and
gender identity.
NEED TO DO:
 The challenge is to strike an
appropriate balance of gender roles
between men and women/boys and
girls, through education and training,
given that gender, role differences
and stereotyping are socially
constructed.
 Gender role stereotyping and
consequent subordination of women
to men is a deterrent to
development. Thus, it is important to
address them in development
planning
 Gender concerns and issues in
development are often overlooked in
development because top level
management and specialists often
think that their programs have
nothing to do with gender.
 It is important for development
practitioners to determine practical
and strategic needs borne out of a
thorough assessment so that
appropriate interventions will impact
and benefit women and men.
GENDER RESPONSIVENESS
Gender-Responsive Communications
is a must-have skill for all development
practitioners.
Whether writing reports or emails, speaking
to a crowd or interacting with people at the
grassroots level, we must be aware of the
ways in which language can either enforce or
subvert gender inequalities.
Gender Equality means more than the
equal representation of Women and Men.
• Achieving gender equality means
eliminating all gender-based
discrimination and gender
stereotypes in all areas of life.
Gender-based Discrimination in our
societies results in women facing many
more forms of inequalities.
• But to achieve meaningful,
longlasting gender equality, we must
challenge and eliminate gender
norms and stereotypes associated
with both women and men
10 PRINCIPLES OF GENDER-RESPONSIVE
COMMUNICATIONS FOR DEVELOPMENT
1. GO BEYOND FEATURING WOMEN
• Common mistake: Engaging with
gender equality issues doesn't mean
simply featuring women and their
accomplishments.
• Good practice: Explore different
aspects of gender inequality through
the specific experiences of women
and men.
• Good practice: Make sure the visual
content contributes to the
storytelling instead of being an
afterthought.
2. ENSURE FAIR VISIBILITY FOR MEN AND
WOMEN
• Common mistake: Equal visibility for
women and men is not enough. We
need to ensure fair visibility.
• Good practice: Include perspectives
of women in decision-making
positions.
• Good practice: Include perspectives
of women and men who challenge
expected gender roles.
3. DON'T DIMINISH WOMEN'S
CONTRIBUTIONS
• Common mistake: We are
conditioned to assume that activities
dominated by men have more value
than those associated with women.
• Good practice: Be mindful of the
ways in which gender relations and
stereotypes influence the way in
which human activities are
portrayed.
4. DON'T REINFORCE GENDER STEREOTYPES
• Common mistake: Avoid portraying
certain jobs or roles as more
appropriate for one gender.
• Good practice: Portray men and
women in diverse roles that
challenge gender stereotypes.
• Common mistake: Don't use or
reinforce gender stereotypes about
the traits, behaviours, activities, and
appearance of women and men.
feminine masculine. Avoid
stereotyping that affects LGBTI
(lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender,
intersex) communities.
• Good practice: Use non-stereotypical
colours to represent women and men
in graphics. green purple orange
turquoise. In infographics, try to
showcase the diversity of women and
men.
5. PORTRAY DIVERSITY
• Common mistake: Don't assume all
women face the same inequalities.
Don't assume all men have the same
privileges.
• Good practice: Look at the variety of
experiences and needs of men and
women of different backgrounds.
• Good practice: Remember that any
kind of discrimination has a gender
dimension.
6. USE GENDER RESPONSIVE LANGUAGE
• Common mistake: Avoid using ‘male’
and ‘female’.
• Good practice: Use ‘man’ and
‘woman’, ‘boy‘ and ‘girl‘, even when
you need an adjective.
• Common mistake: Do not use
gendered generic terms.
• Good practice: Professions and job
titles should be gender inclusive.
• Good practice: Use singular 'they'
instead of masculine pronouns to
express neutrality.
• Good practice: Use singular 'they'
instead of masculine pronouns to
express neutrality.
7. DON'T VICTIMISE
• Common mistake: Don’t erase
people's abilities and power to find
solutions to improve their lives
• Good practice: Show women and
men as active participants to
 development instead of passive
beneficiaries.

• Common mistake: In visual content,

avoid portraying people in victimising
ways.

• Good practice: Portray people in

dignified ways as part of their daily
routine.

8. DON'T PATRONISE

• Common mistake: Be mindful of

differences in cultural background
and socio-economic status that can
lead to patronising statements.

• Good practice: Portray women

accomplishing great results in spite of
structural gender inequalities, not in
spite of their gender.

9. PRESENT FACTS, NOT JUDGEMENTS

• Common mistake: Avoid making

judgements about gender relations
based on personal experience and
anecdotal evidence.

• Good practice: When writing about

traumatic situations, focus on
presenting the facts and use quotes
to personalize the story.

10. BE OPEN

• Good practice: Be open to listening,

learning and improving.