GSOC111 LESSON 2 & 3: LEGAL BASIS FIR THE STUDY OF GENDER AND SOCIETY

CEDAW

What is the CEDAW?

-Known as the International Bill of Rights of Women, the Convention on the Elimination of all
Forms of Discrimination Against Women is the only human rights treaty which affirms the
reproductive rights of women and targets culture and tradition as influential forces shaping
gender roles and family relations.

- It affirms women's rights to acquire, change or retain their

nationality and the nationality of their children.

-CEDAW was adopted by the United Nations in 1979 and took effect on September 4, 1981. As
of 2007, it has 185 State Parties that agreed to implement the provisions of the treaty most
importantly taking appropriate measures against all forms of discrimination and exploitation of
women. Consisting of a preamble and 30 articles, it defines what constitutes discrimination
against women and sets up an agenda for national action to end such discrimination.
-The Convention defines discrimination against women as "any distinction, exclusion or restriction made on the
basis of sex which has the effect or purpose of impairing or nullifying the recognition, enjoyment or exercise by women,
irrespective of their marital status, on a basis of equality of men and women, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in
the political, economic, social, cultural, civil, or any other field.
-CEDAW also establishes a framework that draws on three over-arching principles: equality in
opportunity, equality in access and equality in results. The Convention advocates the “substantive” kind of
equality both in law (de jure) and in practice (de facto).

Summary of articles and provisions

Article 1: Definition of Discrimination - Defines discrimination against women to cover all

facets of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Article 2: Country duties - Countries must eliminate discriminatory laws, policies, and practices in the
national legal framework.
Article 3: Equality - Women are fundamentally equal with men in all spheres of life. Countries
must take measures to uphold women's equality in the political, social, economic, and cultural fields.
Article 4: Temporary special measures - Countries may implement temporary special measures to accelerate women's
equality.
Article 5: Prejudice - Countries agree to modify or eliminate practices based on assumptions
about the inferiority or superiority of either sex.
Article 6: Trafficking - Countries agree to take steps to suppress the exploitation of prostitution
and trafficking in women.
Article 7: Political and public life - Women have an equal right to vote, hold public office, and
participate in civil society.

Article 8: International work - Women have the right to work at the international level without
discrimination.
Article 9: Nationality - Women have equal rights with men to acquire, change, or retain their
nationality and that of their children.
Article 10: Education - Women have equal rights with men in education, including equal access to schools, vocational
training, and scholarship opportunities.
Article 11: Employment - Women have equal rights in employment, including without discrimination on the
basis of marital status or maternity.
Article 12: Health - Women have equal rights to affordable health care services.
Article 13: Economic and social life - Women have equal rights to family benefits, financial
credit, and participation in recreational activities.
Article 14: Rural women - Rural women have the right to adequate living conditions, participation in
development planning, and access to health care and education.
Article 15: Equality before the law - Women and men are equal before the law. Women have
the legal right to enter contracts, own property, and choose their place of residence.
Article 16: Marriage and family - Women have equal rights with men in matters related to
marriage and family relations.
Articles 17-24: The Committee on CEDAW and reporting procedures.
Articles 25-30: Administration of the Convention.

-The Philippines’ participation to CEDAW has contributed massively in the advancement and
empowerment of the Filipino women. This include the enactment of Republic Act 9710, otherwise known as the
Magna Carta of Women which is a comprehensive women's human rights law that seeks to eliminate discrimination against
women by recognizing, protecting, fulfilling and promoting the rights of Filipino women, especially those in the
marginalized sectors.

-The Magna Carta of Women was enacted on August 14, 2009 and took effect on September 15, 2009. Besides this landmark
legislation, the Philippines have several other laws, measures and instruments that protect women from discrimination and
violence including:
•RA 7877 Anti-Sexual Harassment Act
•RA 8353 Anti-Rape Law
•RA 8505 Rape Victim Assistance and Protection Act
•RA 9208 Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act

•RA 9262 Anti-Violence against Women and Children Act

•Family Code
•Women’s and Children’s Desks and Services (Philippine National Police, Department of
Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, National Bureau of
Investigations, Commission on Human Rights, local government units, etc.)

State obligations

-Countries that have ratified or acceded to the Convention are legally bound to put its provisions into practice. They are also
committed to submit national reports, at least every four years; on measures they have taken to comply with their treaty
obligations (See also CEDAW Reporting).

-The Philippines, as a signatory to the treaty (States Party), bears a State obligation to pursue,
with all appropriate means and without delay, a policy of eliminating discrimination against
women and to this end, undertake to:

•Embody the principle of equality in constitution and laws;

•Ensure practical realization of the principle of equality;
•Prohibit discrimination against women;
•Refrain from discrimination;
•Eliminate discrimination by any person, organization or enterprise;
•Modify or abolish laws, regulations, customs and practices that constitute discrimination;
and
•Repeal discriminatory penal provisions.

MAGNA CARTA OF WOMEN

Republic Act 9710: An Act Providing for the Magna Carta of Women

-THE “BILL OF RIGHTS” OF FILIPINO WOMEN approved 14 August 2009.

-R.A. 9710 seeks to eliminate discrimination against

women by recognizing, protecting, fulfilling and promoting the rights of Filipino women.
-These rights include all rights in the Philippine Constitution and those rights recognized under the international instruments
signed and ratified by the Philippine Government.
6 Chapters and 47 Sections

I. General Provisions (Secs. 1-3)

II. Definition of Terms (Sec. 4)
III. Duties Related to the Human Rights of
Women (Sec. 5)
IV. Rights and Empowerment (Secs. 8-19)
V. Rights and Empowerment of Marginalized
Sectors (Secs. 20-35)
VI. Institutional Mechanisms (Secs. 36-42)
Other Provisions (Secs. 43-47)

Among these rights are:

-Non-discrimination in employment in the field of military, police, and other similar services
-Non-Discriminatory and non-derogatory portrayal of women in media and film
-Comprehensive health services and health information and education
-Leave benefits
-Equal rights in all matters related to marriage and family relations

-Protection from all forms of violence, including those committed by the State
- Protection and security in times of disaster, calamities and other crisis situations
-Participation and representation
-Equal treatment before the law

-Equal access and elimination of discrimination against women in education, scholarships and training
-Equal participation in sports

-Magna Carta for Women also guarantees the civil, political and economic rights of women in the marginalized sectors
•The law also renames the NCRFW to PCW with stronger
and wider authority and coverage.
•mandates the DOLE, DSWD, CHR, to help strengthen Philippine foreign posts' programs for the delivery of services to
women migrant workers.

Challenges:
3. Stakeholders’ responsiveness
4. Translating into action and results – MCW provisions
5. Providing guidance and inspiration for other women – model
GSOC111 LESSON 4: SEX, SEXUALITY GENDER RELATIONS

Note: Sex and gender are two related terms but not exactly the same.

SEX- refers to the biological characteristics of women and men that includes primary sex characteristics like chromosomes,
gonads and genitals

-it is constant across time and constant across different societies and cultures

GENDER RELATIONS OR “GENDER”

-refers to the differentiated roles, behaviors, capacities, and intellectual, emotional and social characteristics attributed by a
given culture to women and men.

-it is socially-determined and culturally defined

-it changes across time and cultures

-In short, gender are all the other differences besides the strictly biological

According to the feminist color Judith Butler, the notion of gender is that of performance. “Gender behavior is a learned
performance imposed by normative heterosexual societies” – Judith Butler (1990), Gender Trouble

Behavior that is compatible with cultural expectations is referred to as gender-normative, whereas behaviors that are
viewed as incompatible with these expectations constitute gender non-conformity (American Psychological Association,
2012)

SEXUALITY- refers to people’s interest in or attraction to others, as well as their capacity to have erotic experiences and
responses.

-it covers a broad spectrum and can be considered deeply personal

-some experts also push forward the idea that human sexuality covers the totality of a person’s physical, emotional and even
spiritual responses, including thoughts and feelings
Note: Sexuality encompasses a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.

Note: Gender bread person made by its pronounce metro sexual- one of the widely accepted graphic illustration that
explains sexual orientation, gender identity and expression

SEXUAL ORIENTATION-refers to inherent or immutable enduring emotional, romantic or sexual attraction to other
people

GENDER IDENTITY-refers to one’s innermost concept of self as male, female, a blend of both or neither—how
individuals perceive themselves and what they call themselves.

Note: one’s gender identity can be the same or different from their sex assigned at birth

GENDER EXPRESSION-refers to external appearance of one’s gender identity, ususally expressed through behavior,
clothing, haircut or voice,and which may or may not conform to socially defined behaviors and characteristics typically
associated with being either masculine or feminine

TRANSGENDER-is an umbrella term for people whose gender identity and/or expression is different from cultural
expectations based on the sex they were assigned at birth.

-being transgender does not imply any specific sexual orientation. Therefore, transgender people may identify as straight,
gay, lesbian, bisexual, etc.

GENDER TRANSITION-refers to the process by which some people strive to be more closely align their internal
knowledge of gender with its outward appearance
-Some people socially transition, whereby they might begin dressing, using names and pronouns and/or be socially
recognized as another gender.

-others undergo physical transitions in which they modify their bodies through medical intervention

GENDER DYSPHORIA -refers to clinically significant distress caused when a person’s assigned birth gender is not the
same as the one with which they identify.

-According to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the
term which replaces Gender Identity Disorder—is intended to better characterize the experiences of affected children,
adolescents, and adults

Note: not everyone, and most certainly not scholars of gender and sexuality agree that sex and gender can be separated
theoretically.

-According to Clarke and colleagues (2010), sex is often viewed as primary and gender is the cultural “icing” on the
biological “cake” of sex, but a close analysis of sex and gender reveals that the (sexed) body is heavily gendered.

Why do so many women and men seem to conform to society’s gendered expectations?

-the answer lies in the process called gender socialization or the socialization of persons into a given gender. This is
called gendering.
 PROCESSES GENDERED SOCIALIZATION

(4 processes usually involve in gendering)

1. MANIPULATION- handling girls and boys differently

eg: difference in treatment between boys and girls

2. CANALIZATION- directing children’s attention to gender-appropriate objects

eg: giving separate toys for boys and girls

3. VERBAL APPELLATION- telling children what they are and what expectations others have of them.

eg: boys don’t cry

4. ACTIVITY EXPOSURE- familiarizing children with gender-appropriate tasks

eg: we tend to teach girls to help in housework while we teach boys in tasks done outside the home.

eg: we tend to expose girls to extra curricular activities such as ballet while boys are exposed more to
sports

Note: Gendering is only possible with the aid of certain institutions such as family, formal education, and mass media

SOME INSTITUTIONS THAT ENSURE GENDERED SOCIALIZATION OR GENDERING

(institutions that provides gendering)

FAMILY – is where we are thought to behave in particular ways

FORMAL EDUCATION- is where we can see differences in terms of discipling boys and girls;

-differences in terms of the subjects offered, such as elective or practical arts

-images in text books and visual aids

-framing of exam questions and answers

MASS MEDIA -the media consistently portrays women as housewives, emotionally dependent martyrs, victims or
scheming villainesses

-advertisements uses images to convey or reinforce gender stereotypes

-advertisements often uses sexualized images to sell male-oriented products

Gendering processes ensure the practice of GENDER ROLES

GENDER ROLES- social and behavioral norms which are widely considered to be socially appropriate for individuals of a
specific sex, within a particular culture.

According to the European Institure for Gender Equality, gender roles often determine the traditional responsibilities and
tasks assigned to women, men, girls and boys.

Gender specific roles are often conditioned by household structure, access to resources, specific impacts of the global
economy, occurrence of conflict or disaster, and other locally relevant factors such as ecological conditions. Like gender
itself, gender roles can evolve over time, in particular through the empowerment of women and transformation of
masculinities.

GENDER DIVISION OF LABOR -refers to the allocation of differential tasks, roles, responsibilities and activities to
women and men according to what is considered socially and culturally appropriate

REPRODUCTIVE WORK/CARE WORK- child-bearing/rearing and domestic tasks done usually by women

-this is also referred as care and maintenance of the workforce (male partner and working children) and the future
workforce (infants and school-going children)

PRODUCTIVE WORK- refers to work done by both women and men for pay in cash or kind

It includes:

-both market production with an exchange value

-subsistence/home production with actual use value and also potential exchange value

-for women in agricultural production, this includes work as independent farmers, peasant wives and wage workers.

2 TYPES OF COMMUNITY WORK

1. COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT
- Activities undertaken primarily by women at the community level, as an extension of their reproductive role
inside the home
- This activities are made to ensure that provision and maintenance of scarce resources of collective
consumption, such as water, health care and education
 - Community management work is usually voluntary unpaid work, and undertaken in free time.
2. COMMUNITY POLITICS
-undertaken primarily by men at the community level, organizing at the formal political level, often within the
framework of national politics
-usually paid work, either directly or indirectly, through status or power

Gender division of labor results to the phenomenon of multiple burden

MULTIPLE BURDEN - the condition in which women perform several tasks and responsibilities despite their limited time
and energy. gr

-this refers to doing unpaid work in the home, paid work as a member of a workforce, and volunteer work in the community

-the phenomenon of multiple burden is directly influenced by the multiple roles that women play as they have the
reproductive work once inside the household, productive work in their workplaces and community management tasks. On
the other hand, men are only expected to do productive work and community politics.

-Multiple burden as a phenomenon is part of the manifestations of gender bias in which women are generally the ones
suffering from in the society

Human Reproductive Systems

Why do we need to reproduce?

In this lesson we will discuss and familiarize the Male and Female Reproductive Systems. I know you’ve learnt these
topicsin your previous studies. We will talk again as part in this subject.

What is Reproductive System?

-The reproductive system of an organism, also known as the genital system, is the biological system made up of all the
anatomical organs involved in sexual reproduction. Many non- living substances such as fluids, hormones, and pheromones
are also important accessories to the reproductive system.(Wikipedia)

-The reproductive system is the cluster of internal and external organs in both males and females that work together for the
intention of procreation according to the Cleveland clinic. Because of its important role in the survival of all species. Many
scientists declare the reproductive system is the most significant system in our body.

The Male Reproductive System

-The male reproductive system consists of a number of sex organs that play a role in the process of human reproduction.
These organs are located on the outside of the body and within the pelvis. (Wikipedia)

-They produce, maintain and transport sperm (the male reproductive cells) and semen (the protective fluid around the
sperm). They discharge sperm into the female reproductive tract. They produce and secrete male sexhormones.
 SPERM CELL STRUCTURE

THE JOURNEY OF THE SPERM

 THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

What is Female Reproductive System?

The female reproductive system is made up of the internal and external sex organs that function in reproduction of new
offspring. In humans, the female reproductive system is immature at birth and develops to maturity at puberty to be able to
produce gametes, and to carry a fetus to full term. (Wikipedia)

The female reproductive system contains the internal and external part. These organs have their significant functionssuch as
releasing eggs to be fertilized by sperms, providing female sex hormones which are estrogen and progesterone, sustaining a
safe home for a fertilized egg develops during pregnancy and it also responsible in labor andchildbirth.

Female Reproductive Major Organs:

It is divided into two parts: External genitalia and Internal genitalia.

External Genitalia:

Vulva- the term used as the female’s external area. It pertains the following: Mons Pubis, Labia majora, Labiaminora,
Clitoris, Urethral opening, Vaginal opening and Perineum.

• Mons Pubis

- Fatty tissue that protects the pubicbone.

- It covers the pubicsymphysis.

• Labia Majora

- The outer liparea.

- It protects the introitus and urethralopening.

 - Become soft afterchildbirth.

• Labia Minora

- Known as the “ innerlips”

- Located inside the labiamajora.

- It tightens duringintercourse.

• Clitoris

- It’s a tiny penis-likeorgan.

- Located under theprepuce.

- The sexual pleasure to most women.

Vaginal Opening/Introitus

- A mucous membrane normally covers the opening into the vagina is called “Hymen”.

- Some women are born without hymens.

- Accepting the penis and sperm during intercourse

• Perineum

- A muscle that is located between the vaginal openingand anal canal.

- It protects the lower parts of the urinary anddigestive tracts.

- It consists of abundance of nerve endings that makeit sensitive totouch.

Internal Genitalia:

The internal genitalia consist of the:

• Vagina

• Cervix

• Uterus

• FallopianTubes

• Ovaries
• Vagina

- The distensible fibromuscular tube that extend fromperineum through the pelvic floor and into the pelvic cavity.

- It measures approximately 8-12cm inlength.

- Extends from the vestibule to the uterus, andsituated behind bladder and in front of the rectum

• Cervix

- It maintains sterility of the upper femalereproductive tract.

- Support the passage of sperm into theuterus.

- The Cervix dilates widely to allow the baby to passthrough.

• Uterus

- Pear-shaped muscular organ in the female reproductive tract.

- The uterus enlarges during reproductive process.

- It receives the fertilized egg and supports itsdevelopment during pregnancy.

• Fallopian Tubes

- It transports the ova from the ovary to the uterus every month.

- It provides a safe and worthy environment for fertilization.

- This organ facilitates the movement of the female gametes.

• Ovaries

- The ovaries are the source of eggproduction.

- It’s the two oval-shaped organs that located in theupper right and left of the uterus.
GSOC111 LESSON 5: DEFINE SEXUAL ORIENTATION, SEXUAL IDENTITY, EXPRESSION, AND THE GENDER
SPECTRUM

Sexual orientation- is bahagi ng ating pagkatao na nag d’define kung sino ang gusto nating, romantically and sexually, at kung anong
mga relationship ang binubuo natin. (it refers to whom your romantic and sexual desire is oriented.

-Gender Identity- is what you think of who you are. It is what you perceive of yourself in terms of masculinity, feminity or non-
binary. It is who you think you are.

Expression- is how you express yourself

-Biological sex exists on Spectrum because some may have genes that can express high levels of testosterone and lower or no
estrogen and progesterone or vice versa. And since these hormones need to binds to receptors, some people may have lots of receptors
that can easily bind the hormones whereas others may have few receptors. Thus, in many cases these people are individuals whom
bodies don’t fit the standard definition of male and female.

SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER IDENTITY

Sex- is about biology

SEXUAL ORIENTATION- refers to whom you are sexually /romantically attracted.

-Heterosexual (attracted to opposite gender)

-Homosexual (attracted to same gender)

-Bisexual (attracted to 2+ genders)

-Pansexual (attracted to any gender)

-Asexual (do not experience sexual attraction to anyone)

Note: These terminologies is continually evolving

GENDER IDENTITY- is about how you identify yourself or your own sense of gender

PRONOUNS

- He/him/his

- She/her/hers

- They/ them/theirs (gender neutral)- this pronouns can be use to refer to someone you don’t know the gender.

MISGENDERED- being referred to by the wrong pronoun

-this can cause deep sense of shame, loss of self-esteem, harassment & discrimination.

Note: it is important to ask someone which pronouns to use when referring to them
GENDER EXPRESSION- is how individuals present themselves to the world

NON-BINARY GENDER – gender identities that lie outside of the man-woman dichotomy

Multiple genders (native or indigenous 2 spirits)

-Neither man nor woman

-Fluid identity

-Transgender (gender identity is discordant from sex assigned at birth)

-Agender (people who don’t like the idea of identifying their specific gender at all)

Note: Neither biological sex nor gender identity determines a person’s sexual orientation

In healthcare setting, it is essential to collect SOGI data to know:

-patients assigned sex at birth

-their gender identity and their pronouns without making assumptions based on their name, appearance, or behavior.

Note: sogi information can change over time, and collecting this data is essential to show respect to patients and their families and to
also understand the differences in individuals with particular sex and gender identity

Administrators can ask patients assigned sex at birth as well as gender identity & pronouns for billing purposes. However, patient’s
sexual orientation is considered private or sensitive information and can only be asked by the clinician responsible for the patient, and
only if it’s relevant to patient’s care.

HOW DO I KNOW MY SEXUAL ORIENTATION?

A person only knows your sexual orientation if you tell them. Sexual orientation describes how you feel inside, and only you know
what it’s like to be you.

-Some people may think they can guess if a person is lesbian, gay, or bisexual based on superficial factors like how they look, dress,
or behave. These are stereotypes, or very simplified judgments, about how lesbian, gay, and bisexual people act.

CHR10 SEXUALITIES TO KNOW ABOUT

1. BISEXUALITY- attraction to both same and opposite gender

2. HOMOSEXUALITY- attraction to one’s own gender
3. HETEROSEXUALITY- attraction to one’s opposite gender (most commonly used to refer to binary gender
4. PANSEXUALITY- define as attraction to all genders
 5. POLYSEXUALITY- refers to people who are attracted to 2 or more genders (typically bisexuality and pansexuality are
types of polysexuality tho not all people who are polysexuals use this terms)
6. Asexuality- refers to someone who doesn’t experience sexual attraction to any gender (this doesn’t mean that they never had
any relationship or sex)
7. GRAY-ASEXUALITY- rarely experience sexual attraction
8. DEMISEXUALITY- experience sexual attraction only after an emotional connection is created. They won’t find strangers
in the street appealing. Sexual attraction will only exist after they get to know the person (technically fall under asexual
umbrella)
9. ANDROSEXUALITY- refers to someone who isw attracted to a masculine gender presentation (this can refer to anyone of
any gender—either man, woman, or non-binary)
10. GYNOSEXUALITY- refers to someone who is attracted to a feminine gender presentation. This can refer to any individual
of any gender (this is not well-known)

HUMAN SEXUALITY DIMENSION

SEX- refers to the biological characteristics of being a boy or a girl as evidenced by the external reproductive parts ( Male (XY),
female (XX) Chromosomes)

GENDER- refers to the behavior and attitudes that are expected to be shown based on a person’s sex

-roles and activities that are appropriate or proper by the society

HUMAN SEXUALITY- they way you behave, how u express yourself, and how u react and interact

-Expression of oneself sexually. (Biological, erotic, physical, emotionaletc.)

-LGBTQIA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual )

Lesbian-homosexual woman

Gay- homosexual man

Bisexual- sexually attracted not exclusive to people of one particular gender

Transgender- relating to a person whose sense of personal identity and gender does not correspond with their birth sex

Intersex-umbrella term for sexual and gender minorities who are not heterosexual or are not cisgender

Intersex- condition of having both male and female sex organs or other sexual characteristics

Asexual- a person who has no sexual feelings or desires, or who is not sexually attracted to anyone

3 DIMENSIONS

BIOLOGICAL DIMENSION (Sex)

-Physical sexual characteristics as controlled by the sex chromosomes and hormones produced by the sexual glands

-biologically males are classified from females by identifying the reproductive parts

-hormones also play an important role in the expression of all physical and physiological sexual characteristics of a person (the
pituitary gland produces LH and FSH)

Luteinizing hormone- responsible for production of sex hormones (testosterone and estrogen)

-production of cells and occurrence of secondary sex characteristic

Follicle-stimulating Hormone- triggers the egg cell to mature in the ovary

SOCIOCULTURAL (Gender)

PSYCHOLOGICAL( Human sexuality)

- It is all in the mind

Psychological disorders: Anorexia and bulimia

Anorexia- condition which a person always think that they are fat and refrain from eating or very thin and lose the appetite to eat

Bulimia- eating disorder which a person would eat food that they wan to eat but induce themselves to vomiting by force

Positive body image = enjoy sexuality and have a good social relationship with others

Negative body image= unhappy and with failing sexual relationship