Prevention of Gender-Based Issues
Gender Bias
● refers to the preference or prejudice toward one gender over another
● for example, in many cultures, men are traditionally viewed as breadwinners and
leaders, while women are seen as caregivers and homemakers
Gender Stereotypes
● are overgeneralized beliefs about the characteristics, attributes, and roles of men and
women
● common gender stereotypes include the belief that men are strong, rational, and
dominant while women are emotional, nurturing, and submissive
Gender Discrimination
● involves treating individuals unfairly or unjustly based on their gender
○ Direct gender discrimination
○ Indirect discrimination
The Interplay of Bias, Stereotypes, and Discrimination
● Gender bias, stereotypes, and discrimination are interrelated and often reinforce each other
● Gender bias can lead to the formation and perpetuation of stereotypes, which in turn justify
and normalize discriminatory practices.
Addressing Gender Bias, Stereotypes, and Discrimination
● Education and Awareness
● Policy and Legislation
● Cultural Change
Power Imbalances and Violence
When one gender is perceived to hold more power or value over another, it can create an
environment where abuse and violence are more likely to occur
● Domestic Violence
● Workplace Harassment
● Cultural Norms
Gender-Related Laws and Policies in the Philippines
● the Philippines has made significant strides in promoting gender equality and protecting
the rights of women and marginalized genders through various laws and policies
● aim to address issues such as gender-based violence, discrimination, and inequities in
various sectors of society
Republic Act No. 9710: The Magna Carta of Women (2009)
● seeks to eliminate discrimination against women by recognizing, protecting, and
promoting their rights
○ Equal Treatment Before the Law
○ Protection from Violence
○ Participation in Development
○ Rights to Education and Employment
“The Magna Carta of Women has significantly contributed to the empowerment of
women by ensuring their rights are protected and upheld in various spheres of life,
including employment, education, and political participation.”
Republic Act No. 9262: Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act (2004)
● addresses all forms of violence against women and their children, recognizing that such
violence is a violation of human rights and a form of discrimination
○ Protection Orders
○ Penalties for Perpetrators
○ Support Services
“The Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act has provided a critical legal
mechanism for protecting victims and holding perpetrators accountable. It has raised
awareness about the prevalence of domestic violence and the need for societal and
institutional support for victims.”
Republic Act No. 7877: Anti-Sexual Harassment Act (1995)
● aims to protect individuals from sexual harassment in the workplace, educational
institutions, and training environments
○ Definition of Sexual Harassment
○ Employer and Institutional Responsibilities
○ Complaint Mechanisms
“The Anti-Sexual Harassment Act has been instrumental in creating safer work and
educational environments by providing clear definitions and mechanisms for addressing
sexual harassment. It has encouraged victims to come forward and seek justice.”
Republic Act No. 10354: Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act (2012)
● also known as the RH Law, this legislation ensures universal access to methods on
contraception, fertility control, sexual education, and maternal care
○ Access to Contraceptives
○ Sex Education
○ Maternal Health
“The RH Law has played a pivotal role in addressing reproductive health issues, reducing
maternal mortality rates, and providing comprehensive sexual education. It has
empowered individuals to make informed choices about their reproductive health.”
Republic Act No. 11313: Safe Spaces Act (2019)
● commonly known as the Bawal Bastos Law, this legislation aims to prevent and penalize
gender-based sexual harassment in public spaces, workplaces, schools, and online
○ Expanded Definition of Harassment
○ Penalties for Harassers
○ Awareness and Education
● The Safe Spaces Act has broadened the scope of protection against sexual harassment,
addressing issues that were not covered by earlier laws. It has reinforced the message
that harassment in any form is unacceptable and punishable by law.
● The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) plays a central role in monitoring the
implementation of gender-related laws and advocating for policies that promote gender
equality.
Gender and Development (GAD) Budget
● mandates all government agencies to allocate at least 5% of their total budget for
gender and development program
● ensures that resources are available for initiatives that support women's empowerment
and gender equality
Local Government Units (LGUs)
● required to implement GAD programs and establish local councils for the protection of
women and children
International Gender-Related Laws and Policies Impacting the Philippines
● integrated various international laws and policies aimed at promoting gender equality
and protecting women's rights
● provide a foundation for national legislation and initiatives that address gender-based
violence, discrimination, and inequality
United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women
(CEDAW)
● defines what constitutes discrimination against women and sets up an agenda for
national action to end such discrimination
○ Non-Discrimination
○ Equality
○ Protection from Violence
“The Philippines ratified CEDAW in 1981, committing to implement its provisions through
national legislation such as the Magna Carta of Women (Republic Act No. 9710). This
law aligns with CEDAW's objectives by promoting women's rights and eliminating
gender-based discrimination (UNESCO) (OECD).”
Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995)
● adopted during the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, this comprehensive
policy agenda aims to achieve gender equality and empower women
○ Women and Poverty
○ Education and Training
○ Violence Against Women
○ Women and Health
“The Philippines has incorporated the principles of the Beijing Declaration into various
national policies and action plans. For instance, the country's Gender and Development
(GAD) budget policy mandates government agencies to allocate at least 5% of their
budgets to gender-responsive programs, directly reflecting the Beijing Platform for
Action's goals (The RSA).”
The Istanbul Convention (Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating
Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence)
● Although primarily a European treaty, the Istanbul Convention sets a global standard for
addressing violence against women and domestic violence
○ Prevention
○ Protection
○ Prosecution
○ Integrated Policies
“While the Philippines is not a signatory to the Istanbul Convention, its principles
influence national legislation. The Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act
(Republic Act No. 9262) embodies similar commitments to prevent, protect, and
prosecute gender-based violence (UNESCO) (Harvard Graduate School of Education).”
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
● a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people
enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030. Goal 5 aims to achieve gender equality and
empower all women and girls
○ End Discrimination
○ Eliminate Violence
○ Ensure Participation
“The SDGs guide the Philippines' development agenda, with the Philippine Development
Plan incorporating Goal 5. The country's efforts to align with the SDGs include various
programs and policies aimed at promoting gender equality and protecting women's
rights (OECD).”
Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC)
● The CRC, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1989, emphasizes the rights of
children, including the right to be free from discrimination, violence, and abuse
○ Non-Discrimination
○ Protection from Violence
○ Right to Education
“The Philippines, having ratified the CRC, incorporates its principles into national
legislation such as the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act and the Anti-Child Pornography
Act. These laws ensure that children's rights are protected and upheld, particularly in
safeguarding them from gender-based violence and exploitation (The RSA).”
International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions
● aimed at promoting gender equality in the workplace, including the Equal Remuneration
Convention and the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention
○ Equal Pay
○ Non-Discrimination
“The Philippines has ratified these conventions and implemented corresponding national
laws, such as the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act and the Expanded Maternity Leave Law, to
promote gender equality in the workplace (Harvard Graduate School of Education).”
