Gender and Society - First Meeting PDF

Gender and Society First Meeting Chapter 1: Introduction to Gender and Society Gender: Refers to the socially constructed roles, behaviors, expressions, and identities of girls, women, boys, men, and gender-diverse people. Society: A community of people living together in a more or less ord...

Gender and Society First Meeting Chapter 1: Introduction to Gender and Society Gender: Refers to the socially constructed roles, behaviors, expressions, and identities of girls, women, boys, men, and gender-diverse people. Society: A community of people living together in a more or less ordered community sharing customs, laws, and organizations. Importance of Studying Gender and Society Promotes Equality Addresses Social Issues Inclusive Perspective Prepares Educators Article 2, Section 13 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution: The State recognizes the role of women in nation-building and shall ensure the fundamental equality before the law of women and men. Mandates the government to create policies and enact laws that promote gender equality Serves as a foundation for various gender-related laws and initiatives in the Philippines Education Global Context: 129 million girls worldwide are out of school, 32 million of primary school age The Philippines has relatively high female literacy rates, with 97.1% literacy among females compared to 96.1% among males (Philippine Statistics Authority, 2022). Despite high literacy rates, disparities exist in terms of quality of education and access in rural and impoverished areas. Socio-cultural factors and economic constraints can hinder continuous education for girls. Employment The global labor force participation rate for women is around 47%, compared to 74% for men (International Labour Organization, 2023). Women's labor force participation rate is approximately 46%, while men's is around 76% (Philippine Statistics Authority, 2022). Women in the Philippines earn on average 10-20% less than their male counterparts Employment Glass Ceiling Effect Women are underrepresented in top management and leadership positions. Cultural stereotypes and traditional gender roles contribute to limited advancement opportunities. Political Participation Women hold approximately 25% of parliamentary seats worldwide (UN Women, 2023). Women occupy around 28% of seats in the House of Representatives and 25% in the Senate Persistent gender biases and stereotypes questioning women's leadership capabilities. Campaigns often marred by gender-based discrimination and harassment. Discrimination Against Women Today Forms Workplace Discrimination: ○ Limited opportunities for promotion. ○ Wage disparities. ○ Harassment and unequal treatment. Educational Discrimination: ○ Stereotyping in academic disciplines (e.g., STEM fields dominated by males). ○ Gender-biased curricula and teaching methods. Healthcare Discrimination: ○ Inadequate access to reproductive health services. ○ Gender biases in medical research and treatment. Political Discrimination: ○ Underrepresentation in decision-making positions. ○ Gender-based attacks during elections. Pay Gap and Glass Ceiling Pay Gap: Refers to the average difference in earnings between men and women. Glass Ceiling: Invisible barriers preventing women from advancing to top leadership positions Malala Yousafzai Relevance to the Philippines: ○ Inspires movements advocating for equal educational opportunities. ○ Highlights the importance of overcoming cultural and societal barriers to girls' education. ○ Encourages policy development to ensure safe and inclusive educational environments. Violence Against Women Approximately 1 in 3 women worldwide have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime (WHO, 2023). The Philippine National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2022 reports that around 24% of women aged 15-49 have experienced physical violence, and 6% have experienced sexual violence Violence Against Women Types of Violence: Domestic Violence: Physical, emotional, and economic abuse within households. Sexual Harassment: Unwanted sexual advances in public spaces, workplaces, and educational institutions. Human Trafficking: The Philippines is a source country for sex trafficking, particularly affecting women and girls. Violence Against Women, Legal Framework Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004 (RA 9262): Provides protection and legal remedies for victims. Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995 (RA 7877): Addresses harassment in workplaces and educational institutions. Safe Spaces Act of 2019 (RA 11313): Expands the definition of sexual harassment to include public spaces and online platforms. Violence Against Women Challenges in Implementation Underreporting due to stigma and fear. Limited access to support services, especially in rural areas. Need for more gender-sensitivity training among law enforcement and judiciary. Sexual Related Abuses Against Women NDHS 2022 indicates that 6% of women have experienced sexual violence, with many cases unreported. Factors Contributing to Abuse: ○ Cultural norms that perpetuate male dominance. ○ Lack of comprehensive sex education. ○ Insufficient legal enforcement and victim support systems. Support and Intervention: ○ Establishment of Women and Children Protection Units (WCPUs) in hospitals. ○ NGOs providing counseling and legal assistance. ○ Awareness campaigns to destigmatize reporting and promote prevention Cultural Expectations and Discrimination Traditional Gender Roles ○ Expectation for women to be primary caregivers and homemakers. ○ Limited acceptance of women in leadership and decision-making roles. Impact on Opportunities: ○ Restricts women's participation in certain professions and industries. ○ Influences educational and career choices from a young age. Role of Education: Critical in dismantling harmful stereotypes by promoting gender-sensitive curricula and inclusive policies. Women's Health Choices and Legal Issues, Reproductive Health Reproductive Health Law (RA 10354): ○ Ensures universal access to methods on contraception, fertility control, sexual education, and maternal care. ○ Faced opposition from religious groups but upheld by the Supreme Court. Abortion: ○ Illegal in the Philippines under all circumstances. ○ Consequences: Unsafe abortions leading to maternal deaths and health complications. Advocacy groups call for decriminalization to protect women's health. Maternal Health: ○ High rates of maternal mortality linked to inadequate access to healthcare services and information. Women's Health Choices and Legal Issues, Harassment Workplace Harassment: Persistent problem despite existing laws. Need for stronger enforcement and workplace policies. Public Harassment: Addressed by the Safe Spaces Act, penalizing catcalling, wolf-whistling, and other forms of harassment in public and online spaces. Women's Health Choices and Legal Issues, Divorce Current Status: ○ The Philippines remains one of the only countries without a divorce law, alongside the Vatican. ○ Legal Separation and Annulment: Available but costly and time-consuming. Does not afford the same legal freedoms as divorce. Advocacy for Divorce Law: ○ Proponents argue it is necessary to protect individuals from abusive and unhappy marriages. ○ Opponents cite religious and moral objections. Women's Health Choices and Legal Issues, Adultery vs. Concubinage ○ Legal Definitions: Adultery: Crime committed by a married woman engaging in sexual relations with a man not her husband. Punishable under the Revised Penal Code. Concubinage: Crime committed by a married man cohabiting with a woman not his wife under scandalous circumstances. Requires proof of cohabitation or maintaining a mistress in the conjugal dwelling. ○ Discrimination Issues: Evidentiary Burden: Easier to prosecute women for adultery than men for concubinage due to stringent proof requirements. Punishment Disparities: Penalties for adultery are often harsher compared to concubinage. Calls for Reform: Advocacy for decriminalization or equalization of laws to eliminate gender bias. Aligning legal definitions with principles of equality and human rights. Gender-Based Discrimination in Politics