GROUP 1:

Gender-BasedViolence - Is the preferred term (not a "victim") of a person who

has lived through an incident of gender - based violence
Refers to any harm perpetrated against a person’s will
on the basis of gender, the socially ascribed differences PERPETRATOR
between males and females.
is a person, group, or in institution that inflicts,
In the Philippines, gender-based violence has supports, or condones violence or other abuse against a
clearly been placed in the realm of women’s person or group of persons.
humanrights over thepast decade. Prior to 1993, most
governments regarded violence against women largely CHARACTERISTICS OF PERPETRATORSINCLUDE:
as a private matter between individuals.
Persons with real or perceived power;
Gender-based violence cuts across public and Persons In decision-making positions; and
private spheres, including home, school and work, and Person in authority
takes place during peace time and conflict. It is both a
In all incidents of GBV, there is always a survivor/victim
human rights and a development issue, with negative
and perpetrator. Therefore, all actions in the prevention
consequences for both women and men.
and responses to GBV need to address both the survivor
Gender-based violence experienced by women and girls and the perpetrator
refers to battering and other forms of intimate partner
Three important Concepts behind Gender-Based
violence including:
Violence
Rape, Sexual Violence, Dowry-related violence, Female
POWER
infanticide, Sexual abuse of female children in the
household, Honor crimes, Early marriage, Forced - perpetrators can have “real” or “perceived” power.
marriage, female genital cutting
There are different types of Power and powerful people
CONSEQUENCESOF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE such as:
These consequences include serious, immediate, and a.Social – peer pressure, bullying, leader, teacher,
long-term impacts on the sexual, physical, and parents The ability of one person (or group) to get
psychological health of survivors. others to do his or her will
HEALTH CONSEQUENCES b.Economic – the perpetrator controls money or access
to goods/services/money/favors; sometimes the
-include unwanted pregnancies, complications from
husband or the father
unsafe abortions, sexually transmitted infections
including HIV, injuries, mental health, and psychosocial c.Political – elected leaders, discriminatory laws,
effects. Violence also affects children’s survival, President of the United States
development, and school participation.
d.Physical – strength, size, use of weapons, controlling
SOCIALCONSEQUENCE access or security; soldiers, police, robbers, gangs
-extend to families and communities. Families can also e.Gender-based (social) – males are usually in a more
be stigmatized as a consequence of gender-based powerful position than females
violence.
f.Age-related – often, the young and elderly people
ECONOMICCONSEQUENCES have the least power
-include the cost of public health and social welfare USEOFFORCE/VIOLENCE
systems and the reduced ability of many survivors to
participate in social and economic life. - “Force” might be physical, emotional, social or
economic in nature. It may also involve coercion or
SURVIVOR pressure. Force also includes intimidation, threats,
persecution or other forms of psychological or social
pressure. Violence consists of the use of physical force Party List Law
or other means of coercion such as threat, inducement
or promise of a benefit to obtain something from a Provides for the creation of women- oriented or
weaker or more vulnerable person. Using violence women- based parties to compete under the party-list
involve forcing someone to do something against system.
her/his will – use of force.
Labor Code (1989)
INFORMEDCONSENT
Covers issues, such as night work prohibition,
-Consent means saying “yes,” agreeing to something. species that employers must provide special facilities
Informed consent means making as an informe choice for women, prohibition of discrimination against
freely and voluntarily by persons in an equal power women in respect to terms and conditions of
relationship. employment, and prohibition of discrimination by
reason of marriage of a woman worker.
Acts of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) occur without
WOMEN IN NATION BUILDING LAW
informed consent. Even if she says “yes,” this is not true
consent because it was said under duress – the Republic act 7192 (1991) is an act promoting the
perpetrator(s) used some kind of force to get her to say integration of women as full and equal partners of men
yes. Children (under age 18) are deemed unable to give in development and nation building.
informed consent for acts such as female genital cutting
1998 Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law
(FGC), marriage and sexual relations.
Gave filipino women the right to own land that
CYCLE OFVIOLENCE
previously reverted to sons and other male family
-The cycle of violence refers to repeated acts of violence members.
in a relationship. It starts with minor incidents and
Republic Act 7688 (1994)
moves on to more serious levels of violence. The cycle
of violence may start in a child who is a victim or An act giving representation to women in social security
witness to violence and may be repeated when the child commission.
becomes an adult.
Anti Sexual Harassment Law. RA 7877 (1995)
-The impact of being a victim or a witness on a child is
traumatic. -When children understand that violence is An act declaring sexual harassment to be an lawful in
not acceptable, they will grow up into adults who the employment, education, or training environment.
respect other people.
Republic Act 7822 (1995)
GROUP 2:
An act providing assistance to women engaging in micro
The 1987 Constitution and cottage business enterprises.

The Philippines is know for its very liberal and Republic Act 8355 (1997)
progressive Constitution that was formulated during the
euphoria of People Power Revolution in 1986. Gender An act expanding the definition of the crime of rape,
equality is a key element of this Charter and as reclassifying the same as a crime against persons.
enshrined in Article II Section 14 of the 1987
Philippine Plan for Gender Responsive Development
Constitution, "the State recognizes the role of women in
(1995- 2025).
nation-building and shall ensure the fundamental
equality before the law of women and men." The National Philippine Plan for Gender Women that
consolidates the action commitments of the Philippines
Various Laws Promoting Gender Equality
during the Beijing World Conference on Women. This is
Legal Government Code of 1991 the overall frame that is also the point of reference for
the discussions and monitoring of gender
Provides for the election of sectoral representation, mainstreaming.
including women, in local legislative councils.
Gender and Development Budget (GAD). Artcle XIV, Section 2

Integral to the national plan, it is aimed Establish and maintain, a system of free public
“institutionalizing gender concerns in the mainstream education in the elementary and high school levels.
development process and agenda and not just Without limiting the natural rights of parents to rear
peripheral programs and projects of the government.” their children, elementary education is compulsory for
Concretely, it prescribes for the allocation of 5%of the all children of school age
government agency's/local government unit's budget
on gender- responsive activities and projects. ONE GLARING ISSUE

Framework Plan for Women (FPW) Gender stereotyping of fields of study and specialization
and its onward translation into the world of work.
This is part of the Philippine Plan for Women developed
to focus on three thrusts, namely promoting women's Lesson 18 "VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND THEIR
economic empowerment advance and protect women CHILDREN ACT" REPUBLIC ACT NO.9262
human rights; and promote gender responsive
Republic Act 9262 or Anti Violence Against Women and
governance. This plan identifies to concrete gender
their Children (Anti-VAWC) Act of 2004.
issues that will be addressed pinpoint targets and
indicators, name program formulates the Important features of the law include:
implementation plan, and set-up tools for monitoring
and evaluation. #1 Four kinds of violence against women and children
are defined.(Physical,Psychological, Sexual and
Women's Right to Participate Economic)
#2 VAWC is a public crime
Women's expressions of involvement in civil society
#3 Protection orders can be issued against the
could be through organizing along gender-specific
perpetrator
issues and formation of all-women groups within broad
#4 Stronger community mechanisms to respond to
coalitions as power-enhancing mechanisms. Groups
cases
such as the PILIPINA feminist movement, the militant
GABRIELA women's group, the Ugnayan ng Kababaihan Protection Order
sa Pulitika (UKP- Network of Women in Politics), the
KILOS KABARO (Act Sisters Coalition), and SIBOL An order issued for the purpose of preventing further
Legislative Network have trail blazed women advocacies acts of violence against a woman and her child specified
both in policies and in legislations. in Section of this Act and granting other necessary
relief.
Women's Involvement in Civil Society
The Law enumerates the following reliefs that may be
Women's expressions of involvement in civil society availed of through a protection order:
could be through organizing along gender-specific
issues and formation of all-women groups within broad 1. Prohibition of the respondent (perpetrator) from
coalitions as power-enhancing mechanisms. Groups threatening to commit or committing personally or
such as the PILIPINA feminist movement, the militant through another, any of the acts penalized by the Anti-
GABRIELA women's group, the Ugnayan ng Kababaihan VAWC law;
sa Pulitika (UKP- Network of Women in Politics), the 2. Prohibition of the respondent from harassing,
KILOS KABARO (Act Sisters Coalition), and SIBOL annoying, telephoning, contacting, or otherwise,
Legislative Network have trail blazed women advocacies communicating with the petitioner (victim- survivor)
both in policies and in legislations. directly or indirectly;
3. Removal and exclusion of the respondent from the
WOMEN AND EDUCATION residence of the petitioner whether temporarily or
permanently;
The Philippine educational system is a combination of
4. Directing the respondent to stay away from the
public and private institutions with the State providing
petitioner and any designated family or household
free education for elementary and secondary levels.
member at a distance specified by the court;
5. Directing lawful possession and use by the petitioner
of an automobile and other personal effect regardless
of ownerships; of LGUs or the Barangay in addressing VAWC cases,
6. Granting a temporary or permanent custody of a apart from the issuances of Barangay Protection Orders:
child/children to the petitioner;
7. Directing the respondent to provide support to the *Section 47. Duties and Functions of Barangay Officials-
woman and/or her children if entitled of legal support; In order to eliminate violence against women and their
8. Prohibition of the respondent from any use or children, barangay officials shall:
possession of any firearm or deadly weapon and order
(a) undertake an education program on Republic Act
him to surrender the same to the court for appropriate
No. 9262 and on violence against women and their
disposition by the court including revocation of license
children and why it exists, the rights and remedies of
and disqualification to apply for any license to use or
victim-survivors, and the duties of residents and all
possess a firearm;
barangay officials.
9. Restitution for actual damages caused by the violence
(b) have a family violence prevention program, including
inflicted, including, but not limited to, property damage,
peer counseling for men;
medical expenses, childcare expenses and loss of
(c) support organizing efforts and development
income;
programs for women in the community;
10. Directing the DSWD or any appropriate agency to
(d) prioritize livelihood projects for victim survivors.
provide petitioner may need; and
(e) involve women in planning and implementation of
11. Provision of such other forms of relief as the court
all programs and projects in the barangay.
deems necessary to protect and provide for the safety
(f) have an Anti-VAWC desk officer in the barangay who
of the petitioner and any designated family or
shall coordinate a one-stop help desk. As much as
household member, provided petitioner.
possible, this help desk shall be open for 24 hours.
(g) ensure that all barangay officials,barangay health
Rights of Victim-Survivors of VAWC Cases
workers, barangay nutrition scholars, other barangay
Section 35 Right of Victims workers, and tanod or barangay security officers
In addition to their rights under existing laws, victims of undergo gender sensitivity seminars to enable them to
violence against women and their children shall have respond to victims of violence;
the following rights: (h) develop a system to document and report cases of
VAWC and assistance program to victims thereof; and
(a) to be trated with respect and dignity; (i) if applicable/ necessary, prescribe additional
(b) to avail of legal assistance from the Public Attorney's guidelines and standards provided that these are
Office and the Department of Justice or any public legal consistent with the act.
assistance office;
(c) to be entitled to all legal remedies and support as LESSON 19: LAWS AND POLICIES ON VIOLENCE AND
provided for under the Family Code; and DISCRIMINATION OF THE MEMBER OF LGBTQ+
(d) to be entitled to support services from the DSWD
ANG LADLAD LGBT PARTY VS. COMELEC
and the LGU's
(e) to be informed of their right to apply for a ANG LADLAD
protection order
Ang Ladlad was a political organization composed of
DUTIES OF NATIONAL AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT members of the Filipino LGBT community. And it was
OFFICES founded on September 1, 2003 by Danton Remoto

Section 39 of RA 9262 provides for the creation of the The COMELEC denied the petition of the ANGLADLAD to
Inter-Agency Council on Violence against Women and become a partylist.
their children (IAC-VAWC), which shall formulate 2006- Petition Denied Due to the lacked members.
gender-sensitive programs and projects according to 2009- Petition Denied due to Immorality.
their respective agency mandates, including capability
building programs for their employees. VIOLENCE AND DISCRIMINATION

The IAC-VAWC consists of the following agencies: Despite of the widespread anecdotal evidence of crimes
perpetrated against the LGBTQ+ Community in the
The implementing rules and regulations of the Anti- Philippines most data on these case have not
VAWC Act state the following duties and responsibilities undergone to official verification & collation.
In March 2016, The trans Murdered Monitoring Or the NAME AND GENDER MARKER CHANGES
TMM project listed 41 reported Cases Of transgender On November 26, 2002, petitioner Rommel Jacinto
people murdered in the Country since 2008. Dantes Silverio filed a petition for the change of his first
name and sex in his birth certificate in the Regional Trial
JENNIFER LAUDE “JEFFREY” Court of Manila, Branch 8. The petition, docketed as SP
Born on November 4, 1987, Died on October 11, Case No. 02-105207, impleaded the civil registrar of
2014 (26 Years old) Manila as respondent
She was engaged to a German national named In this case, the Supreme Court ruled that there was no
Marc Sueselbeck. mistake to be corrected as the birth record is not
Killed By U.S. dispute, as the sex of the person was determined by the
Marine Lance Cpl. Joseph Scott Pemberton birth attendant at the time of birth. It elaborated that
sex as term does not contemplate inclusion of persons
VIOLENCE AND DISCRIMINATION AGAINST LGBTQ+
who have undergone “sex reassignment”. Likewise, it
YOUTH IN EDUCATION
argued that allowing her to change her name and
A. ANTI-BULLYING ACT OF 2013 (REPUBLIC ACT 10627) gender maker will alter established laws on marriage
- INCLUDES GENDER-BASED BULLYING AS A PROHIBITED and family relations.
AND PUNISHABLE ACT.
On December 11, 2003,respondent Jennifer
B. CHILD PROTECTION POLICY 2012 -THIS POLICY
Cagandahan filed a Petition for Correction of Entries in
INCLUDES THE PROTECTION OF STUDENTS FROM ANY
Birth Certificate2 before the RTC, Branch 33 of Siniloan,
FORM OF VIOLENCE REGARDLESS OF THEIR SEXUAL
Laguna.
ORIENTATION OR GENDER IDENTITY.
WHEREFORE, premises considered, the Civil Register of
C. SPECIAL PROTECTION OF CHILDREN AGAINST CHILD
Pakil, Laguna is hereby ordered to make the following
ABUSE, EXPLOITATION, AND DISCRIMINATION ACT OF
corrections in the birth
1992 (ANTI-CHILD ABUSE ACT OR REPUBLIC ACT 7610)
[c]ertificate of Jennifer Cagandahan upon payment of
-PARENTS OF CHILDREN WHO SUFFER ABUSE AT THE
the prescribed fees:
HANDS OF TEACHERS OR MEMBERS OF THE SCHOOL'S
a) By changing the name from Jennifer Cagandahan to
ADMINISTRATION VIOLATES RA 7610 OR THE ANTI-
JEFF CAGANDAHAN; and
CHILD ABUSE ACT.
b) By changing the gender from female to MALE.
VIOLENCE AND DISCRIMINATION AGAINST LGBTQ+ IN IT IS LIKEWISE ORDERED THAT PETITIONER’S
THE WORKPLACE SCHOOL RECORDS, VOTER’S REGISTRY, BAPTISMAL
A. THE LABOR CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES (PD 442) CERTIFICATE, AND OTHER PERTINENT RECORDS ARE
-the national law covering employment for the private HEREBY AMENDED TO CONFORM WITH THE
sector in the Philippines. With the exception of FOREGOING CORRECTED DATA.
prohibitions against discrimination of women, it does
DEFINITION OF TERMS
not contain any provision that prohibits discrimination
on the basis of gender identity particularly on the
members of the LGBTQ+. Nonetheless, while the law is
quiet on gender identity and expression, it is clear in its INTRODUCTION
Declaration of Policy (Article 3) that the “State shall 1. SOGIE- AN ACRONYM FOR SEXUAL ORIENTATION,
afford protection to labor, promote full employment GENDER IDENTITY, AND EXPRESSION. THIS IS AN ASPECT
ensure equal work opportunities.” OF THE GENDER OF PERSON WHICH MUST BE
B. CSC NO. 01-0940 THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION'S CONSIDERED AND GIVEN ATTENTION.
POLICY ON ANTI-SEXUAL HARASSMENT 2. ANTI-DISCRIMINATORY BILL- PROPOSED LEGISLATION
-The Civil Service Commission Administrative BEFORE THE PHILIPPINE CONGRESS INTENDED TO
Disciplinary Rules on Sexual Harassment Cases includes PREVENT VARIOUS ECONOMIC AND PUBLIC
other less grave, punishable offences. These include ACCOMMODATION- RELATED ACTS OF
prohibiting “derogatory and degrading remarks or DISCRIMINATION AGAINST PEOPLE BASED ON THEIR
innuendoes directed toward the members of one's sex SOGIE.
or one's sexual orientation or used to describe a
person.” UNIVERSAL POLICY
Articles 2(1), 3, and 26 of the convention provide for the
respect, equality, and non-discrimination of all
individuals on the ground of inter alia, race, and sex. SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS.
In the landmark decision of Toonen v Australia in 1994, BEING YOUNG AND NOT CONFORMING TO THE
it is found not only that the reference to “sex” in Article GENDER ROLES ASSIGNED TO ONE'S SEX INCREASES THE
2(1) and 26 must be taken to include sexual orientation, RISK OF DISCCRIMINATION AND ABUSE FOR LGBT
but also that the law which criminalizes consensual PERSONS. THE VICTIMIZATION IS AGGRAVATED BY THE
homosexual acts expressly violate the privacy of the ABSENCE OF SUPPORT MECHANISMS AND SCHOOL
law. SUPPLIES ADDRESSING THIS CONCERN, AS WELL AS THE
FAILURE OF SCHOOLS TO SAFEGUARD STUDENTS FROM
NATIONAL AND LOCAL POLICIES BEING ABUSED BY OTHER STUDETNS, STAFF,
Presently, the Anti-Discriminatory Bill is still pending ADMINISTRATORS, ANG TEACHERS.
before Congress. This bill is expected to be signed into
law before the end of the Duterte Administration. Prior HOMOPHOBIA - dislike of or prejudice against gay
to these bills, several LGUs have enacted ordinances people
and resolutions to address these issues. LGBT Youth are often targeted by parents who,
GERALDINE ROMAN upon discovering their child's sexual orientation and/or
“Our fight for equality never stops,” says Bataan 1st gender identity.
District Representative Geraldine Roman, the first
transgender lawmaker in the Philippines. DISCRIMINATION BY THE CATHOLIC
SEN. RIZA HONTIVEROS THE CATHOLIC BISHOPS CONFERENCE OF THE
It took over a year before it “received enough PHILIPPINES (CBCP) AND EPISCOPAL COMMISION ON
signatures to report it out on the floor.”- Hontiveros. FAMILY AND LIFE (ECFL) HAS BEEN FERVENTLY
TITO SOTTO DEMANDING CONGRESS FOR THE REMOVAL OF "SEX,
“Anti-discrimination on persons, p’wede. Pero focused GENDER, SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER
on gays, which the SOGIE bill is, and religious and IDENTITY" IN THE COMPREHENSIVE ANTI-
academic freedom impeded plus smuggling of same-sex DISCRIMINATION ORDINANCES FILED IN THE SENATE
marriage? No chance!”-Tito Sotto. AND IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, CLAIMING
QUEZON CITY/ALBAY/BACOLOD/ANGELES CITY THAT ITS INCLUSION WILL ONLY "CREATE PROBLEMS
In Quezon City, anti-discrimination in employment was REGARDING ETHICS, MARRIAGE, THE FAMILY AND
enacted in 2004 and LGBT-friendly provisions are RELIGIOUS FREEDOM" AND REASONS THAT "THE
supplemented in the Quezon City Gender and DIFFERENCE IN SEX OR GENDER DOES NOT BELONG TO
Development Ordinance. Albay Province and Bacolod THE SAME LEVEL AS THE DIFFERENCE IN RACE, COLOR,
City passed an anti-discrimination ordinance. Angeles RELIGION, OR ETHNICITY"
City not only passed anti-discrimination legislation but Antagonists of the anti- disccrimination bill
created a Gay Rights Desk as well. claim that the passage of an anti-disdcrimination
legislation will open the door for the same-sex
REPRESENTATIVE RAYMOND PALATINO OF THE marriages.
KABATAAN PARTY-LIST FILED HOUSE RESOLUTION
NO.1333, WHICH SEEKS TO INVESTIGATE PREJUDICIAL, PARTICIPATION OF THE MEMBERS OF LGBTQ+ IN
DISCRIMINATORY, AND UNJUST PRACTICES AND PUBLIC LIFE
POLICIES AGAINST LGBTQIA+ STUDENTS IMPLEMENTED ARTICLE 25 OF THE CONVENTION
AND TOLERATED IN SCHOOLS, PARTNERING WITH THE “TO PROVIDE FOR THE RIGHT OF EACH CITIZEN TO
DEPED AND OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCIES. PARTICIPATE IN PUBLIC AFFAIRS, TO VOTE, AND TO
IN MAY OF 2012, THE DEPARTMENT OF HAVE EQUAL ACCESS TO PUBLIC SERVICE IN THE
EDUCATION ISSUED DEPED ORDER NO. 40 OR,“THE COUNTRY.”
DEPED CHILD PROTECTION POLICY” TO GUARANTEE DISCRIMINATION IN THE MILITARY
THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN IN SCHOOLS FROM ANY ·PHILIPPINE CONSTITUTION (ARTICLE 2) - TO ADMITS
FORM OF VIOLENCE, ABUSE OR EXPLOITATION GAY, LESBIANS AND BISEXUAL PERSONS IN MILITARY
REGARDLESS OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER AND POLICE SERVICES.
IDENTITY. ·THERE IS ALSO AN ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS REQUIRED
FROM LGBT APPLICANTS AND CADETS THAT
EFFECT OF STATE DISCRIMINATION IN SOCIETY DEMONSTRATES LINGERING PREJUDICE AND NEGATIVE
THE STATES'S TREATMENT OF LGBT STEREOTYPES.
INDIVIDUALS INTENSIFIES DISCRIMINATION ON THE ·THE GENERALIZED NEGATIVE STEREOTYPING OF LGBT
BASIS OF SOGIE WITHIN PHILIPPINES SOCIETY AND PERSONSAND THE MISCONCEPTION THAT A PERSON’S
SEXUAL ORIENTATION DEFINES ONE’S GENDER the product of a gender system maintained by a
EXPRESSION. dominant, normative form of masculinity.
·THE UNIFIED OUTPUT CAN RESULT TO A CLASS
PROGRAM OR ACTIVITY ADDRESSING DISCRIMINATION RELEVANCE OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT THEORIES
CONCERN.
An interpretation of these theoretical
LESSON 21: UNDERSTANDING SEXUAL HARASSMENT perspectives reveals that both biologically, as well as
SEXUAL HARASSMENT- It is an act or a series of acts socio-culturally, men happen to have always occupied a
involving any unwelcome sexual advances, request, or dominant position over women in societies, of which
demand for a sexual favor, or other verbal or physical the workplace are only a part.
behavior of a sexual nature, committees by a Considerable data have accumulated confirming
government employee or official in a work-related, that harassment is widespread in both the public
training; or education-related environment. (Culbertson et al. 1992; Fitzgerald el al. 1997) and the
Sexual Harassment private sectors and it has significant consequences for
Harassment and Sexual Harassment are the employees health and psychological well being
recognized as a form of discrimination on the grounds (Fitzgerald 1993; Schneider et al. 1997)
of sex. Like many other crimes, sexual harassment is all Philippine Laws on Sexual Harassment Republic
about power, control, and domination. In the Act No. 7877, or the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of
Philippines, Republic Act No. 7877 or the "Anti-Sexual 1995 (RA 71377), is the governing law for work-,
Harassment Act of 1995“. education-, or training-related sexual harassment.

THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVE OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT SPECIFICALLY IN A WORK-RELATED OR EMPLOYMENT

ENVIRONMENT. SEXUAL HARASSMENT COMMITED
1. NATURAL/BIOLOGICAL THEORY WHEN:
According to this model, men have stronger sex drives, 1. The sexual favor is made as a condition in the hiring
and are therefore, biologically motivated to engage in or in the employment, re-employment or continued
sexual pursuit of women. A key strength of employment of said individual, or in granting said
Natural/Biological perspective is that it acknowledges individual favorable compensation, terms a conditions,
the innate human instincts potentially during sexually promotions, or Privileges; or the refusal to grant the
aggressive behavior. sexual favor results in limiting, segregating, or
2. SEX ROLE SPILLOVER THEORY classifying the employee which in any way would
This theory is based on the proposition of irrelevant discriminate, deprive, or diminish employment
gender-based role expectations that individuals bring to opportunities or otherwise, adversely affect said
the workplace in guiding their interactions with women. employee;
Men hold role perceptions of women based on their 2. The above acts would impair the employee's rights or
traditional role in our culture. privileges under existing labor laws; or
3. ORGANIZATIONAL THEORY 3. The above acts would result in an intimidating,
This theory proposes that sexual harassment results hostile, or offensive environment for the employee.
from the opportunities presented by power and
authority relations which derive from hierarchical ON THE OTHER HAND, IN AN EDUCATION OR TRAINING
structures of organizations. ENVIRONMENT. SEXUAL HARASSMENT IS COMMITTED:
4. SOCIO-CULTURAL THEORY A. If against one who is under the care, custody, or
Socio-Cultural theories examine the wider social and supervision of the offender;
political context in which sexual harassment is created B. Against one whose education, training,
and occurs. According to this perspective, sexual apprenticeship, or tutorship is entrusted to the
harassment is a logical consequence of the gender offender;
inequality and sexism that already exists in society C. When the sexual favor is made a condition to the
(Gutek 1985; Thomas and Kitzinger 1997). giving of a passing grade, granting of honors and
5. FEMINIST THEORY scholarships, or the payment of a stipend, allowance or
According to the feminist perspective, sexual other benefits, privileges, or consideration; or
harassment is linked to the sexist male ideology of male D. When the sexual advances result in an intimidating,
dominance and male superiority in the society. hostile, or offensive environment for the student,
Therefore, feminists theories view sexual harassment as trainee, or apprentice.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN CIVIL SERVICE WOMEN AND DEVELOPMENT (WAD)
Sexual harassment in the Civil Service is
punishable by civil service commission. As a result of criticisms of the WID approach,
No. OI- 0940, also known as Administrative the Women and Development (WAD) approach arose in
Disciplinary Rules on sexual harassment cases. the latter part of the 1970s. Adopting a Marxist feminist
approach, the main argument of WAD was that women
SEXUAL HARASSMENT CAN BE COMMITTED AT THE had always been part of the development processes.
FOLLOWING PLACE: WAD asserts that women have always been important
1. In the premises of the workplace or office or of the economic actors.
school or training institution; The main focus of WAD is on the interaction
2. In any place where the parties were found, as a result between women and development processes rather
of work or education or training responsibilities or than purely on strategies to integrate women into
relations; development. WAD saw both women and men as not
3. At work. education, or training related social benefiting from the global economic structures because
functions; of disadvantages due to class and the way wealth is
distributed. WAD argued that the integration of women
LESSON 22: WOMEN’S ISSUES IN DEVELOPMENT into development was to their disadvantage and only
made their inequality worse. WAD saw global
DEVELOPMENT – the process in which someone or
inequalities as the main problem facing poor countries
something grows or changes and become more
and the citizens of those countries.
advanced.
• WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT – approach of GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT (GAD)
development projects that emerged in the 1960s, In the 1980s, further reflections on the development
calling for treatment of women’s issues in development experiences of women gave rise to Gender and
projects. Development (GAD). It brought together both the
• WOMEN AND DEVELOPMENT – approach comes from lessons learned from, and the limitations of, the WID
the perspective that equality will be essential to and WAD approaches. GAD looks at the impact of
improving women’s positions, but still frames change in development on both women and men. It seeks to
terms of providing women access to the productive ensure that both women and men participate in and
sector. benefit equally from development and so, emphasizes
• GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT – was developed in the equality of benefit and control. It recognizes that
1980s, stepped away from both WID and WAD and was women may be involved in development, but not
founded in socialist-feminist ideology (Rathgeber necessarily benefit from it. GAD is not concerned with
1990,493), The GAD approach holds that the oppression women exclusively, but with the way In which gender
of women stems largely from a neoliberal focus on relations allot specific roles, responsibilities, and
improving women’s reproductive and productive expectations between men and women, often to the
capacities. detriment of women.
WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT (WID) PRACTICAL APPROACHES TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF
WID (Women in Development) concept is based WOMEN
on a recognition of the importance of the roles and
status of women in development process. It is meant to 1. THE WELFARE APPROACH
give special attention to the women's role, while Until the early 1970's, development programs
extending development assistance. addressed the needs of women almost entirely within
The Women in Development (WID) approached the context of their reproductive roles. The focus was
this issue, the exclusion of women from development on mother and child health, child- care, and nutrition.
program and approaches. The main task, therefore, was POPULATION CONTROL- or family planning.
to improve women’s access to resources and their 2. THE EQUITY APPROACH
participation in development. The WID approach Feminist calls for gender equality were
emphasized the importance of the integration of important in bringing about this approach, the main aim
women into development programs and planning. of which was to eliminate discrimination.
Accordingly, this was the best way to improve women’s The equity approach also dealt with both the
position in society. productive and reproductive roles as responsibility of
government.
 The equity approach, in contrast to the welfare THE PRIMACY OF THE DECISION OF THE HUSBAND/
approach, saw women as active participants organizing FATHER
to bring about necessary changes. UNDER THE ARTICLE 14 OF THE FAMILY CODE
3. THE ANTI- POVERTY APPROACH OF THE PHILIPPINES, IT IS PROVIDED THAT:
This approach focuses on both the productive and "Art 14. In Case either or both of the contracting
reproductive role of women with an emphasis on parties, not having been emancipated by a previous
satisfaction of basic needs and the productivity of marriage are between the ages of eighteen and twenty-
women. one, they shall, in addition to the requirements of the
4. THE EFFICIENCY APPROACH preceding articles, exhibit to the local civil registrar, the
This approach aims to have increased consent to their marriage of their father, mother,
production and economic growth with an emphasis on surviving parent or guardian, or persons having legal
full use of human resources. Advocates of this approach charge of them, in the Order mentioned."
argue that gender analysis makes good economic sense.
5. THE EMPOWEREMENT APPROACH ON THE ADMINISTRATION AND ENJOYMENT OF
The aim of the empowerment approach is to increase COMMUNITY PROPERTY OR CONJUGAL PARTNERSHIP,
the self- reliance of women and to influence change at ARTICLE 96 AND 124 OF THE FAMILY CODE PROVIDE
the policy, legislative, societal, economic, and other THAT:
levels to their advantages. It's main strategy is “Art. 96. The administration and enjoyment of the
awareness- raising, and situates women firmly as active community property shall belong to both spouses
participants in ensuring change takes place. jointly. In case of disagreement, the husband’s decision
shall prevail, subject to recourse to the court by the
LESSON#23 GENDER INEQUALITY IN MARRIAGE AND wife for proper remedy, which must be availed of within
CRIMINAL LAWS five years from the date of the contract implementing
such decision x x x.”
Gender Inequality in Marriage and Criminal Laws “Art. 124. The administration and enjoyment of the
MARRIAGE LAWS IN THE PHILIPPINES ARE ONLY conjugal partnership shall belong to both spouses
BASED ON SEX AND NOR ON GENDER. IN THE 1987 jointly. In case of disagreement the husband’s decision
PHILIPPINE CONSTITUTION, MARRIAGE IS STATED AS shall prevail, subject to recourse to the court by the
"AN INVIOLABLE SOCIAL INSTITUTION. IS THE wife for proper remedy, which must be availed of within
FOUNDATION OF THE FAMILY AND SHALL BE five years from the date of the contract implementing
PROTECTED BY THE STATE". (ART. W. SECTION 1987 such decision x x x."
CONSTITUTION) ON THE EXERCISE OF PARENTAL AUTHORITY OVER THE
- Under the Family Code, marriage is defined as PERSON AND LEGAL GUARDIANSHIP OVER THE
a special contract of permanent union between a man PROPERTY OF COMMON CHILDREN, ARTICLES 21 1 AND
and a woman entered into in accordance with law for 225 OF THE FAMILY CODE STATE THAT:
the establishment of conjugal and family life (Article 1, "Art. 211. The father and the mother shall jointly
The Family Code of the Philippines). exercise parental authority over the persons of their
common children. In case of disagreement. the fathers
Apart from marital laws. various personal laws present
decision shall prevail, unless there is a judicial order to
this picture of inequality in its provisions.
the contrary x x x”
- The crime of adultery presents harsher
“Art. 225. The father and the mother shall jointly
requisites than the crime of concubinage (Articles 333
exercise legal guardianship over the property of the un-
and 334 of the Revised Penal Code).
emancipated common child without the necessity of a
- Vagrants and prostitutes pertain only to
court appointment. In case of disagreement. the father
women (Article 202 of the Revised Penal Code).
decision shall prevail, unless there is a indicial order to
- Gender equality issues on night work
the contrary x x x.”
prohibition (Article 130 of the Labor Code), disputable
presumptions (Rule 131, Section 3 of the Rules of Court) "HIGHER BURDEN ON WOMEN/WIVES THAN
- ; and removal of criminal liability for rapists MEN/HUSBANDS”
under RA 8353 should also visited. The crimes of ADULTERY and CONCUBIINAGE
include the concept of MARITAL INFIDELITY. Under
Article 333 of the Revised Penal Code, Adultery
is committed by a married woman who shall have
sexual intercourse with her PARAMOUR not her
husband. and the circumstances ;
Article 334 of the Revised Penal Code Reclusion perpetua
Concubinage is committed by a married man who shall Sexual Intercourse.
have sexual intercourse with his CONCUBINE not his imprisonment from 20 to 40 years
wife. Prision mayor
Sexual Assault
"A married man is liable for Concubinage only when he imprisonment from six to 12 years
does any of the three acts specified in Article 334 of the WHERE TO GET HELP:
Revised Penal Code:" Philippine National Police (PNP)
a. keeping a mistress in the conjugal dwelling; National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)
or Public Attorneys Office (DOJ-PAO)
b. having sexual intercourse under scandalous Women's Desk
circumstances with a woman who is not his wife; or DOH Hospital's Women and Children protection Unit
c. cohabiting with her in any other place. Department of Social Welfare and Development
PENALTY: (DSWD)
ADULTERY Women's Crisis Center (WCC)
The guilty wife and her paramour may
imprisoned for up to 4 to 6 years . PROSTITUTION
CONCUBINAGE - The practice of engaging in relatively indiscriminate
For guilty husband may imprisoned for up to 4 sexual activity in general with someone who is not a
years and 1 day only. While his spouse or friend, in exchange of immediate payment in
Concubine may "BANISHED" but noot be imprisoned. money valuables.
CHANCES : It is applicable in Adultery and The principal cause of prostitution is poverty.
Concubinage: The main reason for prostitution in all group is
CONSENT - granted prior to the adulterous act. money.
PARDON - is given after the ilicit affair.
EXCLUSIVE DEFINITION OF PROSTITUTION
FORGIVENESS CLAUSE IN THE CRIME OF RAPE (RA 8353 - article 202 of the revised penal code,
OR THE ANTI RAPE LAW) amended by Republic Act 10158, retained the decades
ANTI-RAPE LAW (RA 8353) of old definition of prostitutes as “ woman who, for
"AN ACT EXPANDING THE DEFINITTION OF THE CRIME money or profit, habitually engaged in sexual
OF RAPE AND RECLASSIFYING THE SAME AS CRIME intercourse or lascivious conduct X X X.”
AGAINST PERSONS". OTHER CAUSES OF PROSTITUTION
Who can be a rape victim? - BAD COMPANY
Who can commit rape? - FAMI LY PROSTITUTES
Rape is committed under the following circumstances: - LACK OF SEX EDUCATION
1. A man has sexual intercourse with a woman, - PRIOR INCEST AND RAPE
> through force, threat or intimidation; when the victim - IGNORANCE AND ACCEPTANCE OF PROSTITUTION
is deprived of reason or is unconscious; "COUNTRIESWHEREPROSTITUTIONISL
>through fraudulent machination or grave abuse of EGALIZED"
authority and - Germany
>when the victim is under 12 years of age or is - Switzerland
demented, even if none of the above conditions are - Austria
present. - Greece
-QUESTION: A man/boys can be victim of Rape? - Turkey
2. Any person who, under any of the above conditions, - Netherlands
commits an act of sexual assault through oral or anal
sex or by inserting an instrument or object into the anal EFFECTS OF PROSTITUTION
or genital orifice of another person.
SOCIETY INDIVIDUAL
MARITAL RAPE
HIV/AIDS
is the act of intercourse with one's spouse
MORALLY CORRUPTED
without the spouse's consent.
FAMILY CONFLICT UNWANTED PREGNANCY
How is the crime punished/penalty?
CONNECTION WITH
The penalty varies depending on the act itself
HUMAN TRAFFICKING OR SEX TRAFFICKING Emergency obstetric care
PORNOGRAPHY COMES HAND IN HAND Each province and city hall shall ensure the
INDIVIDUAL establishments and operation of hospitals with
EMOTIONAL CONFLICT adequate facilities and qualified personnel that provide
DRUG ABUSE emergency obstetric care.
UNWANTED PREGNANCY Hospital based family planning
HEALTH PROBLEMS The law requires family planning services like ligation,
INTIMACY PROBLEMS vasectomy, and intrauterine device (IUD) placement to
be available in all government hospitals.
LESSON #24: CRITIQUE ON THE RESPONSIBLE Contraceptives as essential medicines
PATENTHOOD AND REPRODUCTIVE HEATH ACT OF Reproductive health products shall be considered
2012, REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10354 ALSO KNOWN AS essential medicines and supplies and shall form part of
REPUBLIC HEALTH ACT LAW the National Drug Formulary.
Rationale of the RH Law Reproductive health education
The "Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health RH education shall be taught by adequately trained
Act of 2012" or RA 10354, also known as the "RH Law" teachers in age-appropriate manner.
was primarily enacted on a vision that the poor will Employers responsibilities employers employers
have access to Reproductive Health (RH) goods and shall respect the reproductive health rights of all their
services which they cannot afford. With this law, the workers. Women shall not be discriminated against in
poor will likely have sufficient access to information the matter of hiring, regulation of employment status,
about the proper use and effectiveness of these RH or selection of retrenchment. Employers shall provide
products. free reproductive health services and education to
Apparently, the failure of the market of RH workers.
goods and services to reach marginalized women Capability building of community-based
compelled the Philippine Government to step in and volunteers workers
initiate measures to address this occurrence. community based-workers shall undergo additional and
However, RH Law was depicted by paintings of updated training on the delivery of reproductive health
promoting abortion and abortifacient products thus, care services and shall receive not less than 10%
sinful and frowned upon by the Catholic Church. increase in honoraria upon successful completion of
training.
Elements of RH Law
The elements of the recently enacted RH Law are as PROHIBITED ACTS
follows: The law also provides for penalties for persons who
(1) family planning information and services; perform certain prohibited acts such as the following:
(2) maternal, infant, and child health and nutrition, Knowingly (with malicious intent)withholding or
including breast feeding: impending dissemination of information about the
(3) prevention of abortion and management of post- programs and services provided for in this act or
abortion complications; intentionally giving out incorrect information.
(4) adolescent and youth reproductive health guidance Refusing to perform voluntary ligation and
and counseling; vasectomy and other legal and medically safe
(5) prevention and management of reproductive tract reproductive health care services on any person of legal
infections (RTIS), HIV/AIDS, and STIS; age on the ground of lack of spousal consent or
(6) elimination of VAWC and other forms of sexual and authorization.
GBV; CO Refusing to provide reproductive health care
(7) education and counselling on sexuality and services to an abused minor and/ or an abused
reproductive health; pregnant minor, whose condition is certified by an
(8)treatment of breast and reproductive tract cancers authorized DSWD official or personnel, even without
and other gynecologic conditions and disorders; parental consent particularly when the parent
(9) male responsibility and involvement and men's RH; concerned is the perpetrator;
Salient Provisions Refusing to extend reproductive health care
Midwives for skilled birth attendance services and information on account of the patients civil
The law mandates every city and municipality to status, gender or sexual orientation, age, religion,
employ an adequate number of midwives and other personal circumstances, and nature of work: provided
skilled attendants.
that all conscientious objections of health care service years after the said TRO, the FDA then certified that
providers based on religious ground shall be respected. Implanon and Implanon NXT are not abortifacients.
Requiring a female applicant or employee, as a
condition for employment or continued employment, to GENDER AND LABOR
involuntarily undergo sterilization, tubal ligation, or any LABOR – activities pertaining to developing goods and
other form of contraceptive method. deliver services for economic reasons.
LE G ISLATING RH WORKPLACE – a sector in the population engaged in
The road to the enactment of the RH Law was a economic productive activities.
painstaking path. The main blockade was the
1.EMPLOMENT SECTORS
constitutional provisions, particularly that provided in
AGRICULTURE
Article II, Section 12 of the 1987 Constitution which
Women farmers do not have equal opportunity
mandates that: “The State recognizes the sanctity of
to acquire land or register it in their own name. Women
life... It shall equally protect the life of the mother and
are also hindered in their access to extension services;
the life of the unborn from conception.”
skills development, including training in management
In this regard, the 1987 Constitution itsel
and marketing skills; and improved farming equipment.
mandates that the Philippine Government must
Industry and Manufacturing
recognize the importance of life and protect the life of
The number of women working in economic
the mother and unborn. Inasmuch as artificial family
zones is estimated to represent 64% of total
planning methods (i.e. IUDs, Condoms) are labeled as
employment and may be much higher in some
“anti-life” and against conception, these are interpreted
industries such as electronics and apparel (World Bank,
to be against the sanctity of life-making them contrary
2011). Women’s share of employment in the export-
to the said fundamental law of the land. In addition,
processing zone is much greater than women’s share of
these “pro-life” groups strongly advocate the use of
the labor force as a whole, and the condition of
natural methods (i.e. Abstinence, Calendar Methods).
employment are of concern.
THE LONG POLITICAL BATLE Tourism
Talks about a unified reproductive health policy Within tourism industry, relatively few women
had been roaming the spheres of the Philippine have the educational qualifications or foreign language
Government way back the 1960s with the creation of a skills to compete for front-of-house positions in the
Population Commission as a measure of population hotel industry, as tour guides, or travel agencies, and
control to manage high fertility rates and alleviate women are more likely to be employed as
poverty. Henceforth, the backlash of the CBCP was housekeepers, waitresses, or similar low-level positions.
unrelenting.
Business Processing Outsourcing
The RH Law, which was finally enacted in 2012,
Is a business practice in which an organization
was a product of a 14-year struggle. After its enactment,
contracts with an external service provider to perform
lobbyist of this law thought that victory was already
an essential business task.
achieved. However, in March 2013, the law was
It administrates and manages the selected
challenged before the SC of the Philippines, delaying its
processes based on defined and measurable
full implementation. A year after, the law was held to be
performance metrics.
valid, except for clauses therein, that allowed minors to
According to Philippines Information
access reproductive health services without the written
Technology-Business Process Outsourcing that, it is not
consent of a guardian and penal measures for
gender responsive and does not address women’s
government officials who did not implement the Law.
constraints in accessing higher paid work in non-voice
In 2015, a further temporary restraining order
services, as well as the pay differential between men
(TRO) issued again by the nation’s SC prevented the
and women, and employment conditions, it requires
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the Philippines
specific government attention.
from procuring, distributing, or issuing new certificates
Government Services
of product registration on more than 50 different
Public sector employment is an important
contraceptives, allowing many licenses to eventually
source of jobs.
expire.
Gender Equality and Women’s empowerment
The TRO was launched after the FDA registered
are part of the sustainable development goals. The
a contraceptive implant called Implanon, which
Philippines has strong gender mainstreaming programs,
accordingly, could be used to induce abortion. Two (2)
which has given women greater access to government
employment generally, but women in the civil sector Republic Act 8551- Philippine National Police
may still be underpaid, given their levels of education, Reform and Reorganization Act of 1998
experiences and ability. An Act providing for the Reform and Reorganization of
There was a rapid increase and proportion of the Philippine National Police and for other purposes,
female entrepreneurs in developing countries. There is amending certain provisions of Republic Act Numbered
a study that indicates the increase in employment Sixty-Nine Hundred and Seventy-Five Entitled, "An Act
opportunities for women and contribute to wider establishing the Philippine National Police under a Re-
development goals. Organized Department of the Interior and Local
Entrepreneurship Government, and for other purposes"
It also indicates that women entrepreneurs are ILO Domestic Workers Convention (No. 189)
more likely than men to be motivated by necessity. Domestic workers are guaranteed minimum labor
They are livelihood-oriented entrepreneurs. protections on accordance with other kinds of workers
by Convention No. 189, but providing for substantial
2. Salient Policies on Gender Equality in Labor Market flexibility in implementation.
The Philippines has ratified 34 ILO Conventions Philippines was the first asian country that
and is party to all of the fundamental United Nations ratified ILO Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No.
human rights covenants and conventions. 189)
The 1987’s constitution has enshrined these Philippines ratified the ILO Domestic Workers
rights in the Section 3, Article XIII (Bill of Rights), and the Convention, 2011 (No. 189) in the year 2012. Mauritius
Section 14, Article II, which ensures fundamental and Uruguay also ratified the convention on the same
equality of women and men before the law. year.
DIFFERENT POLICIES THAT SUPPORT EQUALITY AND Republic Act 10361 (Domestic Workers Act) –
HUMAN RIGHTS PROTECTION Batas Kasambahay
Chapter 1 of the Labor Code, Article 3 Domestic workers are protected against abuse, debt
“The State shall afford protection to labor, promote full bondage, and the most heinous kinds of child labor
employment, ensure equal work opportunities under the Act. It establishes minimum wage, rest hours,
regardless of sex, race or creed and regulate the as well as other benefits for domestic workers.
relations between workers and employers. The State Furthermore, it extends social security and public health
shall assure the rights of workers to self-organization, insurance to the industry, as well as measures for rapid
collective bargaining, security of tenure, and just and response to violations and easily accessible means of
humane conditions of work.” resolving concerns.
Republic Act 6725 - Prohibition on
Discrimination Against Women GENDER AND MEDIA
An Act Strengthening the Prohibition on Discrimination Communication- the process of exchanging information
against Women with Respect to Terms and Conditions and co-creating meaning through various means.
of Employment, amending for this purpose article 135 Media- means through which information is transferred
of the Labor Code, as amended. or received.
Republic Act 7192 - Women in Development 1. MEDIA REPRESENTATION
and Nation Building Act Media representation is how the media
An Act Promoting the Integration of Women as Full and presents or frames "aspects of society, such as gender,
Equal Partners of Men in Development and Nation age, or ethnicity." (BBC, 2019)
Building and for other purposes. • Media ultimately represents our social
Republic Act 7877 – Anti-Sexual Harassment Act realities as it mirrors the ideologies, belief systems, and
of 1995 stereotypes
An Act Declaring Sexual Harassment Unlawful in the • TV uses one way mode of communication,
Employment, Education or Training Environment, and wherein feedback is rarely received or encourage.
for other purposes. 2. MEDIA STREOTYPES
Republic Act 9710 - Magna Carta of Women “are simplified representations of a person,
The Magna Carta of Women is a comprehensive groups of people or a place, through basic or obvious
women's human rights law that aims to abolish gender characteristics- which often are exaggerated” (BBC
discrimination by recognizing, protecting, fulfilling, and 2019). Although stereotypes can help people connect
promoting the rights of Filipino women, particularly with the content as they reflect it in their own realities,
those in the marginalized sector. it can have negative effects on disadvantaged groups
like the LGBT community by reinforcing negative and of an initiative or reform.
even false stereotypes. COLLABORATION - working together towards a goal.
The LGBT community are highly misinterpreted
in the Philippine Media. There are many stereotypes of UNDERSTANDING HETERONORMATIVITY
the LGBT in the media and most are not flattering. Heteronormativity
Often they are used as a comic relief in their “of relating to, or based on the attitude that
portrayal of the loud and boisterous “bakla”, the heterosexuality is the only normal and natural
straight male who acts like a “bakla” with exaggerated expression of sexuality” (Meriam-Webster Dictionary) it
gestures, the sex-deprived muscular male homosexual, is when we assume that everyone is heterosexual or
or the awkward “tomboy” who eventually becomes a straight and that it is the standard for everyone
feminine woman after meeting the man of her dreams. With a heteronormative point of view, straight
There are very few LGBT main characters in the people are placed at a privileged group by viewing them
international television and even very scarce in the as the standard and normal. Anyone who does not
Philippine Television. They are often relegated as adhere to that standard are viewed as lesser. LESBIAN,
sidekicks, victims, or villains. Although there are a few GAYS, BISEXUALS, TRANSGENDER, and OTHER PEOPLE
LBGT celebrities in the Philippines who are out and WHO REJECT THE NOTION OF GENDER BINARIES
proud of their sexual orientation such as Boy Abunda, Heteronormativity has been so ingrained in our
Vice Ganda, Aiza Seguerra, and Jake Zyrus, their social and political institutions that it has almost
sexuality is rarely the focus of the programs they are in. become invisible. Like assigning BLUE FOR BOYS and
In fact, references on LGBT topics in children PINK FOR GIRLS.
shows cause controversy so they are omitted in this But, what happens when a boy wants pink toys?
broadcast. They are reprimanded and criticized in a
News outfits followed popular ideologies of process called normalization. This normalization limits a
portraying homosexuality as a sickness, The AIDS person’s choices and freedoms.
pandemic in the 70’s also added to the negative For the LGBT, it means they are marginalized,
stereotyping of the gay male as a sexual deviant. treated as inferior, discriminated on, branded as
abnormal, and are treated as second class citizens.
Media Stereotypes This leads to: ❄Homophobia ❄Transphobia
In the Philippines, there is a lack of awareness ❄Biphobia ❄Prejudice Discrimination ❄Violence
on SOGIE among media practitioners as they are often ❄Other hostile acts towards LGBT people.
left confused on the LGBT terms and labels. Most news One example of heteronormative violence is the
from the LGBT community are often on coming out murder of LGBT men and women during the Nazi
stories of celebrities (Aiza Siguerra, Jake Zyrus (Charice holocaust
Pempengco), and Rosana Roses), Pride March events, In present day, it means punishing LGBT
hate crimes, and controversies. Media coverage of the children for expressing who they are or being vocal
LGBT community in the Philippines went from no- about who they are attracted to. It may occur in:
coverage, ridicule, censorship, to limited portrayal. ❄WORKPLACE ❄HOME ❄POLITICS
However limiting, it is taken as a sign of greater social
acceptance as compared to its total black out just CHALLENGING HETERONORMATIVITY THROUGH
decades ago. ACTIVITISM
There are landmark TV shows about the LGBT HETERONORMATIVITY
community such as My Husband's Lover (2013) and The is the concept that heterosexuality is the
Rich Man’s Daughter (2015). There are also a handful of preferred or normal mode of sexual orientation.
LGBT themed movies that featured the different aspects ❄ a social construct and history has proven
of the LGBT person from realization of their sexual society's changing attitudes on homosexuality. For
orientation, their coming out, to their acceptance in example: Pink is for girls and blue is for boys. Feminity
their families and communities. and Masculinity.
LGBT activism have had various social
L E S S O N 2 7 : GENDER A N D ACTIVISM movements to advocate for LGBT people's equal rights
ACTIVISM - collective efforts to shape and transform (2000's), liberation (1960's-1970's) and self-repentance
political, sociocultural, and other environmental status through the homophile movement (1950's).
quo SOCIAL MOVEMENTS:
PARTICIPATION - Contributing in transforming social ❄ Street Rallies ❄ Pride Marches ❄ Law Lobbying ❄
realities by engaging and taking part in various aspects Engaging the Media ❄ Arts ❄ Research or many other
activities. ❄ Dissent is so powerful it can make ❄ Males and Females have unique health needs.
significant changes in our society. ❄ This also means that in terms of health services, all
LGBT Community Events: genders should be able to access services.
May 17 International Day against Homophobia and ❄In turn, health services should also be gender-
Transphobia (IDAHOT) responsive.
March 31 International Transgender Day of Visibility Mental Health
November 20 Transgender day of Remembrance ❄ includes our emotional, psychological and
June June Pride Month social wellbeing. It affects how we think, feel and act. It
is important at every stage of life, from childhood and
L E S S O N 2 8 : GENDER A N D OTHER CROSS CUTTING adolescence through adulthood.
ISSUES Education, General Health, Mental Health) People are challenged to pay attention not only
Two of the primary needs of individuals are: (a) access to their physical health, but also to their psychological
to education (b) access to health services. wellness. Anxiety and depression are the most common
GENDER AND EDUCATION problems, with around 1 in 10 people affected at any
The UNICEF (2011) report on adolescence show one time. How do mental health problems affect
that while there is already an increase in access to people? Anxiety and depression can be severe and
education for all genders, there remains to be many longlasting and have a big impact on people's ability to
girls and women who are unable to go to school. get on with life.
HOWEVER, Interesting trends can be observed Some issues in terms of gender and sexuality
from the 2013 Functional Literacy, Education and Mass ❄Coping with sexual reproductive health issues
Media Survey (FLEMMS). ❄Psychological impacts of SOGIE - related concerns
The study showed that there are more males and gender roles expectations
(4.6 in a 1000) children aged 6-14 who are able to ❄Psychosocial concerns emerging from romantic
attend school compared to females (2.4 in a 1000) relationships
However, for people aged 15 to 25, there are ❄Psychological trauma from GBV
actually more females (24 in a 1000) who are able to go Guidance counselor
to school compared to males (11.2 in a 1000) Psychologist
(Philippines Statistics Authority 2015) Psychiatrist
Meaning, while there are more males who are
able to receive basic education, there are more females
who are able to proceed to higher education.
Practically, this only shows that interventions
towards making education accessible to women and
men may also differ, e.g., encouraging younger girls to
go to basic education and providing opportunities for
men to earn college degree.
Should gender be a deciding factor for people
to access education? Are there specific needs that
women, men and LGBTQ+ have in school? If yes, what
are those? How do you think the educational system in
the Philippines is addressing these gender needs?

GENDER AND HEALTH

Health Service: Another basic social service we all need.
Health - according to Word Health Organization, does
not only mean absence of diseases but a state of well-
being.
The Department of Health of the Philippines
follows a cluster approach in health, wherein there are
mode primary clusters:
(a) public health
(b) water sanitation and hygiene
(c) nutrition
(d) mental health and psychosocial support.