Defining Gender Key Concepts PDF

**Defining Gender Key Concepts** **Gender Roles** Socially constructed roles, behaviors, and attributes considered appropriate for men and women (e.g., women as caregivers). **Sex Roles** Roles directly related to biological differences (e.g., childbirth). **Gender Equality** Ensuring equal ri...

**Defining Gender Key Concepts** **Gender Roles** Socially constructed roles, behaviors, and attributes considered appropriate for men and women (e.g., women as caregivers). **Sex Roles** Roles directly related to biological differences (e.g., childbirth). **Gender Equality** Ensuring equal rights, responsibilities, and opportunities for all genders (e.g., equal pay for equal work). **Gender Equity** Fair distribution of resources and opportunities, sometimes requiring different treatment to achieve equal outcomes (e.g., affirmative action). **Gender Fair Society** refers to community in which individuals of all genders are treated equally and have the same opportunities and rights *Examples include policies ensuring equal access to education, healthcare, and employment for all genders.* **Gender Gap** Refers to the disparity(inequality) between genders in terms of status, opportunities, and resources. *Examples include the wage gap, educational attainment, and representation in leadership roles.* **Gender Mainstreaming** Is a strategy to make women's and men's concerns and experiences an integral dimension of policies and programs. The process of integrating gender perspectives into all areas of policy-making, to promote gender equality. **Gender Sensitivity** The ability to recognize gender differences and inequalities and address them effectively. Strategies include promoting inclusive language and challenging gender stereotypes. **Gender Awareness** Involves understanding gender inequalities and taking action to address them. Important for creating policies and practices that promote gender equality. **Women Empowerment** Empowering women to fully participate in economic, social, and political life. *Examples include increasing women\'s access to education, healthcare, and leadership opportunities.* **Gender in Context: Gender and the Media** **Media** is the term we use to refer to different types of media that provide us with important information and knowledge. Media has always been part of our society, even when people used paintings and writings to share information. **TYPES of MEDIA** **PRINT MEDIA** Examples: newspaper, magazines, books, billboards **BROADCASTING MEDIA** Examples: television, radio and movies **INTERNET MEDIA** Examples: facebook, twitter, instagram, podcast, tiktok **Role of Media in Gender and Development** **Media and Gender Identity** Media forms gender role stereotypes from an early age. - Children exposed to stereotypical portrayals adopt traditional views on gender roles Example: Girls lose confidence if they don't see female role models in leadership. **Representation & Misrepresentation** - Women account for only 24% of individuals seen/heard in news stories. - Women often portrayed in domestic roles (housewives or caregivers) while men as leaders or experts. **Gender Issues in Media** **UNDERREPRESENTATION OF WOMEN:** Lack of women in media ownership and newsroom leadership. **STEREOTYPICAL PORTRAYALS:** Women are often shown in traditional domestic roles, such as housewives or caregivers and are objectified in advertising like on alcohol beverages **UNDERREPRESENTATION OF LGBTQ+ Individuals:** Media portrayal of LGBTs as frivolous (not having any serious purpose or value), untrustworthy and even dangerous or predatory. Impact: These portrayals limit societal understanding and acceptance. **ONLINE HARASSMENT AND CYBERBULLYING:** Women and LGBTQ+ individuals are particularly vulnerable to online harassment and cyberbullying, which can have serious consequences for their mental health and well-being. **Gender Empowerment through Media** - Media can challenge gender stereotypes and promote equality. - Positive representation of women in diverse roles can shift societal attitudes. - Highlighting women in leadership can inspire future generations. **Examples of Media Empowering Gender Equality** TV Programs: **Maalaala Mo Kaya** Stories on domestic violence, discrimination. Social Media: Organizations like **GABRIELA** raise awareness on women's rights. **Media Can Empower Women and Marginalized Genders** - Amplifying women's voices by featuring female leaders and experts. - Promoting educational content on gender equality and women's rights. - Use of public service announcements (PSAs) to raise awareness on gender issues. - Media has a significant role in shaping gender roles and promoting gender equality. - By creating inclusive, gender-sensitive content, the media can challenge harmful norms and promote a more equal society. - The responsibility now lies in ensuring the media is used to empower, not limit. **Gender Stereotypes** **Gender Stereotypes** Gender stereotypes can be considered to be the [generalized beliefs] or assumptions regarding roles and behaviors, characteristics, and traits appropriate to someone according to gender. Gender stereotypes help in shaping expectations from society, which further exercises influence on perceptions of human beings towards others. **What are gender stereotypes?** **Traditional Roles** Stereotypes often portray women as caregivers and men as breadwinners. **Emotions & Behaviors** Girls are expected to be sensitive and emotional, while boys are expected to be tough and stoic. **Interests & Abilities** Stereotypes dictate that certain activities, like playing sports, are for boys, and others, like cooking, are for girls. **Career Paths** Certain occupations, like engineering, are seen as male-dominated, while others, like nursing, are considered female-dominated. **Challenging traditional gender roles** **Redefining Roles** Challenge the idea that certain tasks or responsibilities belong solely to one gender. **Shared Responsibilities** Encourage equal participation in household chores, childcare, and work-life balance. **Promoting Gender-Neutral Opportunities** Encouraging access to activities, careers, and education without labeling them as \"for men\" or \"for women.\" This helps individuals pursue their interests and talents freely, breaking down barriers in traditionally gendered spaces. **Sexism** is discrimination, prejudice, or stereotyping based on gender. It is an ideology based on the belief that one sex is superior to another. Sexism is most often expressed toward women and girls. The term emerged from the "second-wave" feminism of the 1960s through the '80s and was most likely modeled on the civil rights movements term racism. **How Sexism Works** Systemic sexism, like systemic racism, is the perpetuation of the oppression and discrimination without necessarily any conscious intention. The disparities between men and women are simply taken as givens and are reinforced by practices, rules, policies, and laws that often seem neutral on the surface but in fact disadvantage women.\ **Example of Sexism:** - Victim blaming, or saying a sexual assault happened because the person assaulted dressed a certain way or acted like a "tease." - Belittling or criticizing girls and women who pursue careers in traditionally male-dominated fields like sports, science, or technology. - Harassing someone who doesn't comply with gender norms. - The generic use of the masculine gender by a speaker ("he/his/him" to refer to an unspecific person). - The cover of a publication depicting men only. - The naming of a woman by the masculine term for her profession. - A communication campaign including gratuitous nudity. - The idea that one gender is better than the other at particular things. **Sociologists** use the term **social stratification** to describe the system of social standing. Social stratification refers to a society's categorization of its people into rankings of socioeconomic tiers based on factors like wealth, income, race, education, and power. Sociologists recognize that **social stratification** is a society-wide system that makes inequalities apparent. While there are always inequalities between individuals, sociologists are interested in larger social patterns. Stratification is not about individual inequalities but about systemic inequalities based on group membership, classes, and the like. No individual, rich or poor, can be blamed for social inequalities. The structure of a society affects a person's social standing. Although individuals may support or fight inequalities, social stratification is created and supported by society as a whole. **Sociologists distinguish between two types of systems of stratification.** - **Closed systems** accommodate little change in social position. They do not allow people to shift levels and do not permit social relationships between levels. - **Open systems**, which are based on achievement, allow movement and interaction between layers and classes. Different systems reflect, emphasize, and foster certain cultural values and shape individual beliefs. Stratification systems include class systems and caste systems, as well as a meritocracy. **Class System** A class system is based on both social factors and individual achievement. A class consists of a set of people who share similar status with regard to factors like wealth, income, education, and occupation. Unlike caste systems, class systems are open. People are free to gain a different level of education or employment than their parents. They can also socialize with and marry members of other classes, which allows people to move from one class to another. **Sexual harassment** is any unwanted sexual behavior that makes someone feel uncomfortable, offended, or threatened. It can be physical, verbal, or visual. **Example Of Sexual Harassment** **Verbal harassment** - Sexual comments or jokes: Making offensive remarks about a person\'s body, sexual orientation, or gender identity. **Physical harassment** -Unwanted touching: Touching a person\'s body without their consent, such as hugging, kissing, or groping. **Visual harassment** -Leering or staring: Staring at a person in a sexually suggestive way. **Preventing Sexual Harassment** Individual Actions: **Set Boundaries** - Clearly communicate your comfort levels and expectations. **Speak Up -** If you witness or experience harassment, don\'t hesitate to speak out. **Educate Yourself** - Learn about consent, healthy relationships, and respectful behavior. **Domestic Violence** Domestic violence is a very important issue facing millions of people around the world regardless of age or gender and also regardless of their socio-economic status. It may come in a variety of forms, from physical and emotional to sexual abuse and even psychological abuse. It leaves scars that transcend visible wounds, erodes self-esteem, and leaves the victim feeling isolated from their support system. It calls for legal action and support services, also education and social awareness can help break the cycle of abuse and empower survivors to seek help. **Physical Abuse** It involves any intentional use of force that causes pain, injury, or harm to another person. **Emotional Abuse** It is a pattern of behaviors that seek to control, manipulate, or intimidate another person. **Sexual Abuse** It includes any unwanted sexual contact or activity, including rape, sexual assault, and harassment. **Psychological Abuse** It is a behavior that aims to cause mental harm, it focuses on controlling someone\'s thinking through manipulation, gaslighting, or threats. **Breaking the Cycle: Prevention and Intervention Strategies** **Reach Out** Contact a trusted friend, family member, or professional for support. **Education and Awareness** Raising awareness about domestic violence and its impact. **Connect with Resources** Access legal aid, counseling, and other resources to help you heal and move forward. **Support Groups** Connecting victims with others who have similar experiences. **Dating abuse or dating violence** is defined as the perpetration or threat of an act of violence by at least one member of an unmarried couple on the other member within the context of dating. It is also when one partner tries to maintain power and control over the other through abuse/violence. Most of this violence is intimate partner violence. Worldwide, almost one third **(27%)** of women aged **15-49** years who have been in a relationship report that they have been subjected to some form of physical and/or sexual violence by their intimate partner. What is **Adolescent Pregnancy**? ALSO KNOWN AS **TEENAGE PREGNANCY** According to World Health Organization (WHO) Adolescents - are individuals in the 10-19 years age group Adolescent pregnancy occurs when a girl between the ages of 10 and 19 becomes pregnant. This period, known as adolescence. **Causes of Adolescent Pregnancy** **Educational and Contraceptive Barriers\***: Adolescents often lack access to adequate resources and education about reproductive health and contraception. **Economic and Family Challenges\***: Poverty and insufficient family support increase vulnerability to adolescent pregnancy. **Cultural Influences\*:** Societal expectations, such as early marriage and peer pressure, can lead to early pregnancies, with limited guidance on alternative choices. Some indigenous Filipino tribes, like the Maranao, Tausug, Manobo, and T\'boli, practice arranged marriages, often involving dowries and family-led spouse selection. **Sexual Abuse\*:** Exploitation, abuse, and rape also play significant roles, increasing the risk of adolescent pregnancy. **Health Impacts of Adolescent Pregnancy** **Physical Complications\***: Young mothers are at higher risk for health issues, including anemia, high blood pressure, and preterm birth. **Mental Health Effects\***: Adolescents may face heightened levels of anxiety, depression, and emotional strain. **Infant Health Concerns**\*: Babies born to young mothers may face premature birth, low birth weight, and developmental difficulties. **Educational Disruptions\***: Adolescent mothers are more likely to leave school, impacting their career opportunities and long-term economic prospects. **Prevention and Support Strategies:** **Education:** Implement sex education in schools and communities. **Healthcare Access:** Ensure affordable contraceptives and health services. **Support Programs:** Offer counseling, mentorship, and childcare assistance. **Awareness:** Campaigns to reduce stigma and promote responsible choices. **Who is an Adolescent Father?** An adolescent father is a teenage boy, usually between 13 and 19 years old, who becomes a father. He is still growing and discovering himself, now with the added responsibility of raising a child. **Challenges for Adolescent Father:** - Balancing school, work, and taking care of a baby. - Not having enough money. - Facing judgment from others. - Less time for friends or personal goals. - Not knowing much about parenting. **Positive Side for Adolescent Father:** - Learning responsibility and maturity sooner. - Forming a close bond with their child early on. - Feeling motivated to create a better life. - Building strength and problem solving skills. - Support from family and friends can bring them closer. **Discrimination** Treating a person or particular group of people differently, especially in a worse way from the way in which you treat other people, because of their race, gender, sexuality, etc. -Cambridge Dictionary **INTERNATIONAL COMMITMENTS TO GENDER EQUALITY IN THE PHILIPPINES** **INTERNATIONAL GENDER POLICY** A political policy that aims to promote and protect women\'s rights as human rights. It seeks to address gender-based discrimination and inequalities through legal frameworks, social service agencies, and development programs I**NTERNATIONAL COMMITMENTS** **International commitments** to capacity development focus on improving state systems and technology to prevent online sexual abuse and exploitation (CSEA). These commitments set shared objectives and promote a coordinated global response, recognizing the need for political will to address CSEA online. They create accountability for countries and businesses, enabling stakeholders to track progress and compare efforts. Follow-up on commitments and progress measurement is crucial for ensuring effectiveness. These commitments also encourage the sharing of lessons and best practices, reduce policy fragmentation, and help align obligations across regions and industries to combat harmful online content. **INTERNATIONAL COMMITMENTS IN THE PHILIPPINES** According to **Philippine Commission On Women (PWC)** The Philippines has made leaps in advancing gender equality and promoting the empowerment of women and girls. While it dropped to **16th rank in the 2019** Global Gender Gap Index from **8th in 2018**, the Philippines has maintained its position as the most gender equal country in Asia. The 2019 Global Gender Gap Report of the World Economic Forum affirms that the country has closed **78 percent** of its gender gap particularly in education attainment, economic participation and opportunity, and health and survival. The **Philippines** is deeply committed to promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls through its adherence to various international agreements. As a party to the **Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW)** and a key contributor to the **Beijing Platform for Action (BPfA)** in 1995, the country continues to actively engage in efforts to achieve gender equality globally. The Philippines also supports the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, specifically Goal 5, which aims to achieve gender equality by 2030. **The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW)** is the body of independent experts that monitors implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. The CEDAW Committee consists of 23 experts on women's rights from around the world. The **CEDAW treaty** is a tool that helps women around the world to bring about change in their daily life. In countries that have ratified the treaty, CEDAW has proved invaluable in opposing the effects of discrimination, which include violence, poverty, and lack of legal protections, along with the denial of inheritance, property rights, and access to credit. **Philippine reports to the CEDAW Committee** - Concluding Comments of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women: Philippines -- Initial Report, 1984 - Concluding Comments of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women: Philippines -- 2nd Periodic Report, 1991 - Concluding Comments of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women: Philippines -- 3rd and 4th Periodic Reports, 1997 - Concluding Comments of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women: Philippines -- Combined 5th and 6th Periodic Report, 2006 - Ninth periodic report submitted by the Philippines under article 18 of the Convention, 2020 **The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, or BPfA** is a landmark document for advancing women's rights and gender equality worldwide, agreed upon during the 4th World Conference on women in 1995. The international community came to a consensus and agreed to a comprehensive blueprint of commitments supporting the full development of women and their equality with men in 12 areas of concern: *(1) women and poverty; (2) education and training of women; (3) women and health; (4) violence against women; (5) women and armed conflict; (6) women and the economy; (7) women in power and decision-making; (8) institutional mechanisms; (9) human rights of women; (10) women and media; (11) women and the environment; (12) the girl child.* **The BPFA** is a blueprint for advancing women\'s rights which aims to remove all the obstacles to women\'s active participation in all spheres of public and private life, through ensuring women a full and equal share in economic, social, cultural, and political decision-making. It imagines a world where each woman and girl can exercise her freedoms and choices, and realize all her rights, such as to live free from violence, to go to school, to participate in decisions, and to earn equal pay for equal work.It is also a necessary and fundamental prerequisite for equality, development and peace. **GENDER & AGRICULTURE** **GENDER IN CONTEXT: GENDER AND AGRICULTURE** Refers to understanding how gender roles, relations, and inequalities play out specifically within the agricultural sector. It looks at the ways gender impacts access to resources, labor roles, productivity, decision-making, and opportunities within agriculture, as well as how cultural and social norms influence these dynamics. This context is critical because agriculture is not just a sector of economic importance --- it is tied to food security, rural livelihoods, and social structure, especially in developing countries. **GENDER ROLES** in agriculture refer to the different tasks, responsibilities, and decision-making powers assigned to men and women based on social, cultural, and economic factors. These roles are influenced by traditional norms, family structures, and societal expectations, and they vary widely depending on region, culture, and economic context. **typical gender roles in agriculture:** - Crop Production - Livestock Care - Post-Harvest Activities - Farm Management and Technology Adoption - Access to Resources - Climate Change Adaptation - Labor Distribution **GENDER EMPOWERMENT IN AGRICULTURE** is about giving women the same opportunities and rights as men in the farming sector. It\'s not just about getting more women involved in farming, but about ensuring they have equal access to resources, decision-making power, and control over their lives. **Here\'s a breakdown of key elements:** - Equal Access to Resources - Decision-Making Power **GENDER EMPOWERMENT IN AGRICULTURE** Examples of Gender Empowerment Initiatives: - Women\'s Cooperatives: These groups allow women to work together, share resources, and negotiate better prices for their crops. - Microfinance Programs: These programs teach women new farming techniques, business skills, and leadership abilities. **GENDER DIVERSITY IN AGRICULTURE** Refers to the presence and representation of different genders within the agricultural sector. It goes beyond simply having women involved in farming; it encompasses a broader understanding of the diverse ways individuals identify and express their gender, and how this impacts their roles, experiences, and contributions within agriculture. **key aspects:** **Recognizing Diverse Identities** - Gender Spectrum - Intersectionality **Inclusive Representation and Participation** - Leadership and Decision-Making - Workforce Diversity **Benefits of Gender Diversity** - Innovation and Creativity - Social Justice and Equity **Examples of Gender Diversity Initiatives:** - LGBTQ+ Farmer Networks - Gender-Inclusive Training Programs **GENDER EQUALITY AND GENDER DISPARITY IN AGRICULTURE** **Current Gender Disparities in Agriculture** ** Resource Access:** \- Women often have limited access to land, credit, and technology. ** Decision-Making:** \- Women have less decision-making power in households and communities. ** Workload and Recognition:** \- Women work longer hours but are often unpaid or underpaid for their labor. **Case Studies / Examples** Kenya\'s Women in Agriculture Project FAO Gender Programs **Barriers to Gender Equality in Agriculture** ** Cultural Norms:** \- Traditional roles that restrict women's access and decision-making. ** Policy and Legal Barriers:** \- Lack of policies supporting women's land rights and financial access. ** Educational Gaps:** \- Limited agricultural training opportunities for women. **CULTURAL AND SOCIAL BARRIERS IN AGRICULTURE** **Traditional Gender Roles-** In many cultures, agricultural roles are often divided based on gender. Men are traditionally seen as the primary decision makers and landowners, while women may be expected to perform supportive or unpaid roles, such as crop care, harvesting, and food processing **Access to Resources**- In many cultures, women have limited access to important resources like land, loans, and farming tools.Without land or credit, it's hard for women to work independently as farmers or start their own agricultural businesses. **Social Expectations and Mobility**-In many cultures, women are expected to focus on family and household duties over work. This limits their time and ability to travel, making it hard for them to do agricultural work or attend training to build their skills. **Representation and Leadership** - Men are often seen as natural leaders, so women have less say in decisions and policies. **ACCESS OF EDUCATION IN AGRICULTURE** - **Agricultural education** is part of the curriculum in primary and secondary schools, as well as tertiary institutions such as colleges and universities. - Vocational education programs focus on practical skills, including farm management , animal science, horticulture, and agricultural mechanics - Gender differences in agricultural education access in the Philippines are shaped by cultural biases, curriculum design, financial barriers, and limited support, though government and NGO efforts are helping to create more inclusive opportunities for women. - Persistent gender biases and limited resources restrict women\'s access to agricultural education, reducing their opportunities for advancement in a traditionally male-dominated field. IMPORTANCE OF AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION - Agriculture is the backbone of our economy. - Source of food / food security - Source of Raw Material. Global Trade and Economic Exchange **IMPACT OF POLICIES AND INTERVENTION IN GENDER AND AGRICULTURE** **Access to Land and Resources:** **Land Ownership** - Women often face significant barriers to owning land, with inheritance laws and customary practices often favoring men. This limits their ability to secure long-term access to land for farming. **Agricultural Inputs** - Women may have limited access to credit and financial services due to discriminatory lending practices, lack of collateral, and limited access to information about available programs. **Agricultural Inputs** - Women may face challenges accessing essential agricultural inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and equipment due to limited access to markets, information, or financial resources. **Education and Training** **Limited Access:** Women may have less access to agricultural education and training programs compared to men. This can hinder their ability to adopt new technologies, improve their farming practices, and increase their productivity. **Gender-Specific Training:** Tailored training programs that address the specific needs and challenges of women farmers can be highly effective in equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary for success. **Decision-Making Power:** **Household and Community Level:** Women often have limited decision-making power within households and communities, which can restrict their ability to control their own income, make investment decisions, or participate in community-level agricultural initiatives. **Policy and Governance:** Women are often underrepresented in policy-making bodies and agricultural governance structures, limiting their ability to influence policies that directly impact their lives. - **Example:** A study in Kenya that women farmers are less likely to access credit than men, even when they have similar income levels. This is partly due to the requirements for collateral, which women often lack due to unequal property ownership.