Gender and Development

Objectives
* Learning Objective 1: Discuss the interrelationship of gender and
development.
* Learning Objective 2: Present the different gender issues that
undermine development.
Concept of Development
Historical Perspective on Development

In the past, it was primarily associated with

economic growth and industrialization
Concept of Development
Contemporary Views on Development

Today, development is seen as a multidimensional

concept that includes economic, social, political, and
environmental dimensions (UNDP, 2020)
 Concepts of Development

Structural Societal Short-to-Medium- Post-Modern Critique

Transformation Term Outcomes
 Concepts of Development
Development is a long-term process of
structural societal transformation.
Emphasizes historical and long-term changes
in socio-economic structures, ownership,
technology, and institutions.
Avoids specific objectives and recognizes
Structural Societal unique development paths.
Transformation Limited relevance for guiding short-term
development policies.
 Concepts of Development
In a society where women have long been
marginalized, development is a gradual, long-
term process that focuses on transforming
socio-economic structures, cultural norms,
and institutions to achieve gender equality,
allowing women increased access to
Structural Societal education and job opportunities.
Transformation
 Concepts of Development
Development is seen as short-to-medium-
term outcomes with specific targets and
measurable indicators.
Focuses on goals like poverty reduction and
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Criticized for being paternalistic and imposing
Short-to-Medium- universal values on diverse contexts.
Term Outcomes May overlook important dimensions of
development.
Post-Modern Critique
 Concepts of Development
Example:

A government initiative targeting gender

equality in the workplace aims to increase
women's representation in leadership roles within
a specific timeframe, prioritizing measurable
Short-to-Medium- progress to promote gender equity in employment
Term Outcomes and leadership.
 Concepts of Development
Considers development a Western-imposed
discourse and a social construct shaped
through discourse.
Critiques the perpetuation of Western
notions of superiority, cultural
homogenization, and oppression through
development.
Post-Modern Critique Highlights the power dynamics of
development discourse.
Can be seen as romanticizing poverty and
nihilistic.
 Concepts of Development
When examining a global women's
empowerment program, critics from a post-
modern perspective argue that Western-
designed initiatives may impose Western
feminist ideals and insufficiently address
cultural, economic, and power dynamics
related to gender, prompting a reevaluation
Post-Modern Critique of whether such programs truly serve the
needs of local communities.
Indicators of Development
Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
Human Development Index (HDI)
Gender Development Index (GDI)
Gender Inequality Index (GII)
Gender Development Index (GDI)
The GDI is a subset of the HDI that specifically
examines gender disparities in health, education, and
income, highlighting the role of gender in
development (Gender Development Index, n.d.)
Gender Development Index (GDI)
Gender Inequality Index (GII)
The GII assesses gender disparities in reproductive
health, empowerment, and economic activity, shedding
light on gender inequalities that persist within
societies (Gender Inequality Index (GII), n.d.)
Gender Inequality Index (GII)
Gender Inequality Index (GII)
Gender Inequality Index (GII)
The Importance of Gender in Development
Gender is a fundamental aspect of human
identity, shaping individual experiences and
opportunities (Connell, 2002).

It refers to the roles, responsibilities, and

expectations that societies assign to
individuals based on their perceived sex
(Kabeer, 2005).

Gender intersects with various aspects of

development, including economic, social,
political, and cultural dimensions
(Crenshaw, 1989).
Recognizing the importance of gender in development is crucial because:

Gender Equality as a Human Right

Gender Equality was made part of international
human rights law by the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights, which was adopted by the UN
General Assembly on 10 December 1948.
Recognizing the importance of gender in development is crucial because:
Recognizing the importance of gender in development is crucial because:

Maximizing Human Potential

Gender equality promotes access to education,
healthcare, and economic opportunities for all,
thereby maximizing human capital and fostering
innovation and productivity
Recognizing the importance of gender in development is crucial because:

Reducing Poverty and Inequality

By addressing gender-based barriers, development efforts
can alleviate poverty, reduce income inequality, and
improve overall societal well-being (World Bank, 2020)
Recognizing the importance of gender in development is crucial because:

Enhancing Social Cohesion and Peace

Gender equality contributes to social cohesion and
peace by reducing tensions and conflicts related to
gender-based discrimination and violence
(UN Women, 2021)
 The Role of Gender in
Shaping Development Goals
 The Role of Gender in
Shaping Development Goals

It is increasingly recognized that

achieving sustainable
development requires
addressing gender inequalities
and promoting gender equality
(UN Women, 2021).
Gender Issues
and
Development
Understanding Gender
as a Social Construct

Gender is not simply a biological attribute; it is a

complex social construct that encompasses roles,
expectations, and identities attributed to
individuals based on their perceived sex (Connell,
2002). It is a product of cultural, historical, and
societal norms (Butler, 1990). Understanding
gender as a social construct is essential because
it highlights the malleability of gender roles and
the potential for change (West & Zimmerman,
1987).
Gender Inequality in Various Spheres
(Education, Employment, Health, etc.)
 Education
Gender disparities in education have been a long-
standing issue (UNESCO, 2021). Girls and women, in
many parts of the world, have historically faced
barriers to accessing quality education (UNICEF,
2019). These barriers include cultural biases, limited
resources, and discriminatory practices. The
consequences of gender-based educational
inequalities are far-reaching and hinder the
development of individuals and societies (World
Bank, 2018).
 Health
Gender-based health disparities exist in
various forms (Sen, 1999). These
disparities include differences in access
to healthcare, rates of disease
prevalence, and the impact of healthcare
policies on different genders (World
Health Organization, 2021). Gender also
influences health behaviors and
expectations related to health
(Courtenay, 2000).
 Employment
Gender discrimination in the workplace is a persistent
problem (Blau & Kahn, 2017). Women often face unequal
pay, limited access to leadership roles, and difficulties in
balancing work and family responsibilities (Goldin, 2014).
Addressing gender inequalities in employment is not only a
matter of social justice but also crucial for economic
development (World Economic Forum, 2020).
 Intersectionality: How Other Factors
(Race, Class, etc.) Interact with Gender

Intersectionality acknowledges that individuals

experience unique forms of discrimination and
privilege based on the combination of these
factors. For example, a woman of color may
face different challenges than a white
woman in terms of both gender and racial
discrimination (Collins, 1990).
The Impact of Gender Inequality on Societal Development
Gender inequality has far-reaching consequences for
societal development. It impedes economic growth, social
progress, and political stability.
 The Impact of Gender Inequality
on Societal Development

01 ECONOMIC IMPACT:
Gender-based disparities in education and
03 HEALTH IMPACT
Gender-based disparities in
employment limit a nation's human capital and
productivity. Closing the gender gap in the labor
healthcare access and outcomes
market can lead to economic growth (World can lead to increased morbidity and
Bank, 2020). mortality rates among certain
genders (WHO, 2021)

02 SOCIAL IMPACT:
Addressing gender disparities is
04 POLITICAL IMPACT
Gender disparities in political participation can
result in policies that do not adequately address
essential for fostering social
the needs and rights of all citizens (UN Women,
cohesion and peace 2021). Gender-inclusive governance promotes
more equitable and effective decision-making
(Paxton & Hughes, 2007).
National Policies for
Gender Equity
in the Philippines
 The Magna Carta of
Women

This law emphasizes the protection and promotion of

women's rights, including provisions for equal opportunities
in education, employment, and political participation. It
also mandates gender-responsive programs and services
within government agencies, as well as access to
comprehensive health services, including reproductive
health.
 Anti-Violence Against
Women and Their
Children Act of 2004

violence against women and children, imposing harsher

penalties on perpetrators of gender-based violence. It
also includes measures to protect victims and prevent
further abuse
 Gender and
Development (GAD)
Program:
This government initiative aims to promote gender
equality and women's empowerment across all sectors of
society. It integrates gender perspectives in policies,
programs, and activities of government agencies, and
allocates funds for GAD activities.
 Anti-Sexual
Harassment Act:

This law defines and penalizes sexual harassment in

workplaces, educational institutions, and training centers
(Republic of the Philippines, 2016).
 Reproductive Health
Law:

Enacted in 2012, this law guarantees universal access to

methods of contraception, maternal care, and
comprehensive sexual education (Republic of the
Philippines, 2012).
 Other Gender-
Sensitive Policies:

The Philippines has other gender-sensitive policies, such

as the Gender-Responsive Economic Actions for the
Transformation of Women (GREAT Women) Project, the
Women's Priority Legislative Agenda, and the Gender-Fair
Education Policy, all aimed at advancing gender equality.
 Conclusion:
In summary, understanding the
interplay between gender and
development is crucial for fostering
equitable and sustainable societies.
National policies for gender equity
play a pivotal role in addressing
gender disparities and promoting
the well-being of all individuals,
contributing to overall societal
development.
references:
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Gender Development Index. (n.d.). Human Development Reports. https://hdr.undp.org/gender-
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Gender Inequality Index (GII). (n.d.). https://www.who.int/data/nutrition/nlis/info/gender-
inequality-index-(gii)
references:
Human development and gender inequality - GSDRC. (2015, October 28). GSDRC - Governance,Social Development,
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gender-inequality/
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Thank you!