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2024 GAD Webinar Series - Episode 1 - Basic GAD Concepts and SOGIESC

Philippine Commission on Women・157 minutes read

The training needs assessment and pre-test for the webinar highlighted significant gender disparities among the 999 participants, with a notable majority being female and a small percentage identifying as persons with disabilities, indicating a commitment to inclusivity. The session aimed to enhance understanding of gender concepts, clarify misconceptions, and promote gender-sensitive language while addressing the challenges faced by marginalized communities, particularly in the context of LGBTQ+ rights and gender discrimination.

Insights

  • The training needs assessment and pre-test conducted before the webinar aimed to gauge participants' prior knowledge on gender topics, ensuring that the discussions would be relevant and tailored to their understanding.
  • The gender disparity in attendance was notable, with 759 females (78%) and only 240 males (22%) registered, indicating a significant imbalance in participation that reflects broader societal trends.
  • The webinar successfully promoted inclusivity, with 53 participants (1.88%) identifying as persons with disabilities, highlighting efforts to ensure diverse representation and access to the content discussed.
  • The majority of participants demonstrated a strong foundational knowledge of gender concepts, with high confidence levels reported in discussing sex, gender issues, and gender bias, but misconceptions still existed, particularly around gender roles.
  • Miss Jocely Beltran Balanag, the resource speaker, brought valuable expertise to the session, holding a master's degree in public management and having extensive experience in gender and development training since 2015.
  • The discussion emphasized that gender is a social construct influenced by cultural norms, allowing for fluidity in gender roles and challenging traditional expectations that limit both men and women.
  • The session highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by marginalized communities, particularly LGBTQ+ individuals, including violence, discrimination, and the need for comprehensive anti-discrimination policies to foster inclusivity and safety in society.

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Recent questions

  • What is gender discrimination?

    Gender discrimination refers to the unequal treatment of individuals based on their gender. It encompasses a range of behaviors and practices that disadvantage one gender over another, often manifesting in various settings such as workplaces, educational institutions, and social environments. This discrimination can take many forms, including harassment, wage disparities, and exclusion from opportunities. It is rooted in societal norms and stereotypes that dictate how individuals should behave based on their gender, leading to systemic inequalities. Addressing gender discrimination requires awareness, policy changes, and advocacy to promote equality and protect individuals from unfair treatment based on their gender identity or expression.

  • How can I improve my gender sensitivity?

    Improving gender sensitivity involves actively educating oneself about gender issues, biases, and the experiences of different genders. This can be achieved through various means, such as attending workshops, reading literature on gender studies, and engaging in discussions that challenge traditional gender norms. Practicing empathy and listening to the experiences of marginalized groups can also enhance understanding. Additionally, incorporating gender-sensitive language in communication and being mindful of the impact of one's words and actions on others are crucial steps. By fostering an inclusive mindset and advocating for equitable treatment, individuals can contribute to a more gender-sensitive environment in their communities and workplaces.

  • What are gender roles?

    Gender roles are societal expectations that dictate how individuals should behave, dress, and interact based on their perceived gender. These roles are often deeply ingrained in cultural norms and can vary significantly across different societies and historical contexts. Traditionally, gender roles have assigned men to be assertive providers and women to be nurturing caregivers, limiting personal development and reinforcing stereotypes. However, these roles are increasingly being challenged as society recognizes the fluidity of gender and the capabilities of individuals beyond traditional expectations. Understanding and questioning gender roles is essential for promoting equality and allowing individuals to express themselves authentically, regardless of societal pressures.

  • What is gender identity?

    Gender identity refers to an individual's internal sense of their own gender, which may or may not align with the sex assigned to them at birth. It encompasses a spectrum of identities, including male, female, transgender, non-binary, and genderqueer, among others. Gender identity is a deeply personal experience and can be influenced by various factors, including cultural, social, and individual experiences. It is important to recognize that gender identity is distinct from sexual orientation, which relates to whom one is attracted to. Understanding and respecting each person's gender identity is crucial for fostering inclusivity and supporting individuals in expressing their true selves.

  • What is gender-sensitive language?

    Gender-sensitive language is a form of communication that seeks to avoid bias and stereotypes related to gender. It emphasizes the use of inclusive terms that do not reinforce traditional gender roles or exclude individuals based on their gender identity. For example, using "firefighter" instead of "fireman" or "chairperson" instead of "chairman" promotes equality and acknowledges the contributions of all genders. Gender-sensitive language also involves being mindful of how language can perpetuate stereotypes, such as describing women in diminutive terms or using masculine pronouns generically. By adopting gender-sensitive language, individuals can contribute to a more equitable discourse and challenge societal norms that marginalize certain groups.

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Summary

00:00

Webinar Evaluates Gender Knowledge and Inclusivity

  • The training needs assessment (TNA) and pre-test aim to evaluate participants' existing knowledge on the webinar topic, ensuring relevant content is emphasized during discussions.
  • A total of 999 participants registered, with 759 females (78%) and 240 males (22%), highlighting a significant gender disparity in attendance.
  • Among registrants, 53 participants (1.88%) identified as persons with disabilities, including those with visual, mobility, and hearing impairments, promoting inclusivity in the webinar.
  • The majority of participants hailed from Luzon, particularly the National Capital Region (NCR), followed by Region 4A and Regions 2 and 3, with notable representation from Visayas and Mindanao.
  • 61% of participants reported that gender orientation or gender sensitivity training is included in their employee orientation for new hires, reflecting a commitment to gender mainstreaming.
  • Familiarity with gender concepts was high, with 81.4% confident discussing sex and gender, 78.5% on gender issues, and 76.2% on gender bias, indicating a solid foundational knowledge.
  • Pre-test results revealed common misconceptions, such as confusion between "gender roles" and "sex roles," with many participants struggling with definitions and examples provided.
  • Correct answers for the pre-test included 781 participants identifying "gender equity" and "gender equality" correctly, demonstrating understanding of these critical concepts.
  • The pre-test also highlighted areas needing clarification, such as the distinction between gender typing and gender discrimination, with 728 participants answering correctly.
  • Overall, the webinar aims to enhance understanding of gender concepts, with resources available to clarify misconceptions and improve knowledge through interactive discussions.

18:10

Understanding Gender Concepts and Training Insights

  • The correct answers for the blanks in the assessment are sexual orientation and gender identity, with 636 participants answering incorrectly on the first question.
  • Gender expression, the external presentation of gender identity through clothing, haircut, and voice, was correctly identified by the majority of participants as option A.
  • Yvon, a 23-year-old female with XX chromosomes, identifies as a cisgender feminine female, regularly wearing pastel colors; 529 participants answered this correctly.
  • Gender binary, the classification of gender into two distinct opposites, was correctly identified by 657 participants as the answer for the corresponding question.
  • The statement regarding Party list representative Juana del la Cruz advocating for the implementation of RA 9262 was identified as exhibiting gender fairness, with 529 participants answering correctly.
  • Most participants demonstrated familiarity with basic gender concepts and had attended one to two related training sessions, indicating a good grasp of the material.
  • Over half of the participants came from agencies that conduct gender orientation or include gender sensitivity training in employee onboarding.
  • The session emphasized the importance of understanding practical gender needs and issues, encouraging participants to engage fully in the learning experience.
  • Miss Jocely Beltran Balanag, the resource speaker, holds a master's degree in public management and has been involved in various gender and development trainings since 2015.
  • The discussion highlighted that gender is a social construct influenced by culture and society, differentiating it from biological sex, which is a natural attribute.

41:53

Understanding Gender Roles and Social Constructs

  • Vagina cannot give birth due to lack of proper reproductive organs; only men produce sperm, highlighting biological differences in gender roles.
  • Gender is socially constructed, allowing women to perform traditionally male jobs and men to care for children, indicating fluidity in gender roles.
  • Gender norms dictate societal expectations for behavior, differentiating how boys and girls are treated and the values associated with each gender.
  • Society associates boys with active roles, such as playing with military-themed toys, while girls are expected to be passive and modest.
  • Male reproductive function involves determining a child's sex through sperm, which carries either an X or Y chromosome, while females provide the egg.
  • Gender roles assign specific activities to men and women, with men expected to be dominant and independent, while women are seen as nurturing and submissive.
  • In the workforce, men are often primary income earners, while women engage in unpaid reproductive roles, such as child-rearing and household management.
  • Women in rural areas typically engage in subsistence work, while urban women may contribute to household income through informal sector jobs.
  • Traditional gender roles limit women's access to public work and power, while denying men emotional expression and nurturing roles.
  • Gender roles are learned through socialization processes, including manipulation and canalization, which shape expectations and behaviors from childhood.

01:07:56

Influences of Gender Socialization on Development

  • Gender socialization involves parents guiding children's interests in activities based on gender norms, influencing their development from an early age.
  • Verbal affiliation is a key process where parents label children with phrases like "good girl" or "good boy," reinforcing gender expectations through language.
  • Activity exposure refers to the different activities boys and girls are encouraged to engage in, with girls often helping at home and boys participating in outdoor activities with fathers.
  • The family is the primary context for gender socialization, defining gender roles through child-rearing practices, expectations, and the types of toys and games provided.
  • Canalization directs children's attention to specific objects, while manipulation shows how boys and girls are treated differently, influencing their preferences and behaviors.
  • Schools perpetuate gender socialization through biased teaching materials, where subjects like math and science are often associated with boys, while arts are linked to girls.
  • The hidden curriculum in schools conveys unspoken gender biases, affecting how students perceive gender roles through implicit messages in teaching and textbooks.
  • Media serves as a powerful agent of gender socialization, reinforcing stereotypes through portrayals of men and women in advertisements and entertainment.
  • Religious institutions contribute to gender socialization by promoting doctrines that often reinforce traditional gender roles and inequalities between men and women.
  • The state plays a significant role in gender socialization by enacting laws and policies that can perpetuate gender discrimination and maintain existing power dynamics.

01:36:31

Gender Inequality and Its Societal Impacts

  • The law on concubinage allows husbands to engage in extramarital relationships, complicating wives' ability to prove cases of concubinage due to societal stigma and scandalous implications.
  • Gender discrimination occurs when individuals are treated unequally based on gender, encompassing harassment and discrimination related to sex, gender identity, or gender expression.
  • Gender stereotypes assign specific roles to men and women, such as men being assertive providers and women being nurturing caregivers, limiting personal development and self-actualization.
  • Domestic behavior stereotypes dictate that men relax at home while women handle household chores, reinforcing traditional gender roles and expectations within the family structure.
  • Women perform 4.5 to 6.5 hours of unpaid household chores daily, significantly more than men, highlighting the unequal distribution of domestic responsibilities.
  • Gender-based violence includes physical, sexual, and psychological abuse, with one in three women and one in four men experiencing physical violence from intimate partners.
  • Economic marginalization of women results in limited access to resources, unequal pay, and undervaluation of their contributions, perpetuating gender inequality in the workforce.
  • Political subordination manifests in women's exclusion from decision-making processes, with historical barriers preventing their education and participation in governance.
  • Language reflects and perpetuates gender bias, with sexist language devaluing women and reinforcing male supremacy, affecting societal perceptions and socialization.
  • Toxic masculinity harms both men and women by enforcing restrictive gender roles, leading to emotional repression and societal expectations that limit men's expressions of vulnerability.

02:01:47

Promoting Gender-Neutral Language for Equality

  • Sexist language often employs the generic masculine, which excludes women; for example, "employees should wear his ID" should be changed to "employees should wear their IDs."
  • Terms like "mankind" can be replaced with "humanity" or "people," and roles like "anchorman" should be referred to as "anchor" or "anchor person."
  • Instead of "businessman" or "businesswoman," use "business executive," "manager," or "business owner" to avoid gender-specific titles.
  • Language that trivializes women includes using "actress" instead of "actor" and "male nurse" instead of simply "nurse."
  • Avoid terms that disparage women, such as "sales girls," which should be replaced with "saleswomen," and "starlets," which should be "aspiring actors."
  • Use gender-neutral terms like "husband and wife" instead of "man and wife," and "letter carrier" instead of "mailman."
  • Recognize that language can reflect gender biases, such as describing angry men as "outraged" while women are labeled "hysterical."
  • Gender-sensitive language should replace terms that reinforce stereotypes, like "girl Friday" with "president's assistant."
  • Gender and development aim to address the gender gap, ensuring equal rights and opportunities for women and men across all sectors.
  • Practical gender needs include daily necessities like food and health services, while strategic needs address issues like legal rights and equal wages.

02:27:16

Understanding Gender Identity and Sexual Characteristics

  • The discussion focuses on the concepts of sex characteristics (SC) and gender identity, emphasizing their distinct roles in understanding gender and development.
  • Participants are encouraged to recall their education on sex characteristics, with 62% having learned about them in elementary school, while 27% learned in high school.
  • A poll is conducted to gauge participants' familiarity with sex characteristics, revealing that most received training or learning sessions outside formal education.
  • Primary sex characteristics for females include XX chromosomes, vagina, clitoris, ovaries, and high estrogen levels, while males have XY chromosomes, penis, and high testosterone levels.
  • Intersex individuals may have variations like XXY or XYY chromosomes, with over 40 variations in sex characteristics, emphasizing that intersex is not a disorder.
  • Gender identity is defined as a person's internal sense of their gender, which may not align with their sex assigned at birth, leading to terms like transgender.
  • The presentation clarifies that gender is fluid, and not all transgender individuals undergo surgery or hormone therapy, challenging misconceptions about transition.
  • Sexual orientation is described as a person's capacity for emotional affection and sexual attraction, with distinctions made between romantic and sexual orientation.
  • Types of romantic orientation include aromantic (little to no romantic attraction), andromantic (attraction to masculinity), and biromantic (attraction to multiple genders).
  • The session aims to foster understanding of gender identity, sexual orientation, and the importance of inclusive language in discussions about gender and sexuality.

02:52:01

Exploring the Spectrum of Sexual Orientations

  • Omniromantic individuals are attracted to all genders, sometimes with preferences, while polyromantic individuals are attracted to many but not all genders, without necessarily involving sexual attraction.
  • Abromantic people experience romantic orientation as fluid, meaning their attractions can change over time, including the genders they are attracted to.
  • Heterosexuality is the most common sexual orientation, where individuals are attracted to the opposite gender identity, often leading to heteronormative assumptions in society.
  • Homosexuality refers to attraction to the same gender identity, with "lesbian" for women attracted to women and "gay" for men attracted to men, often used interchangeably.
  • Bisexual individuals are attracted to two or more genders, while pansexual individuals are attracted to all genders, focusing less on gender identity in their attractions.
  • Androsexual individuals are attracted to masculine gender presentations, while gynosexual individuals are attracted to feminine presentations, highlighting the diversity in sexual attraction.
  • Asexuality describes individuals who do not experience sexual attraction, emphasizing that asexual people can still identify with romantic orientations.
  • Gender expression is how individuals present their gender identity through appearance, dress, and behavior, which can vary over time and does not dictate sexual orientation.
  • The gender binary classifies gender into two distinct forms, masculine and feminine, but many individuals identify outside this binary, such as non-binary or genderqueer.
  • Understanding sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression is essential for recognizing the complexities of individual identities and fostering inclusivity in discussions.

03:16:04

Understanding Intersex and Gender Diversity

  • The discussion begins with a poll about sexual orientation, revealing 79% identify as asexual intersex and 21% as gender female, emphasizing the complexity of attraction and identity.
  • A participant shares their experience of giving birth last month, highlighting their spouse's role as a good biological parent, and their long-term relationship since high school.
  • Poll results show 49% of female participants identify as female, while 51% identify as heterosexual female, indicating diverse perspectives on gender identity and sexual orientation.
  • The conversation clarifies that being intersex does not conform to binary male or female sex characteristics, and emphasizes the importance of understanding diverse identities.
  • A participant identifies as masculine and a man, despite being assigned female at birth, with 54% of participants agreeing with the classification of masculine female homosexual transman.
  • The text addresses misconceptions about sex and gender, stating that not everyone is born strictly male or female, as intersex individuals exist.
  • Research indicates that approximately 1.77% of the population is intersex, challenging the myth that intersex conditions are rare.
  • It is clarified that intersex individuals do not necessarily require medical correction, as there are over 40 variations of intersex traits.
  • The distinction between intersex and transgender identities is made, asserting that not all intersex individuals identify as transgender.
  • The text concludes by highlighting the existence of advocacy groups for intersex individuals, such as Intersex Philippines, which aims to raise awareness and support for their rights.

03:40:23

Gender Biases and Their Impact on Children

  • Observations indicate that feminine-presenting children are often relegated to reproductive work, with 50% of participants responding and 72% agreeing with this statement.
  • Masculine-presenting children are also observed to be assigned to productive work, with 28% of participants responding and 76% agreeing with this observation.
  • Gender binaries affect both feminine and masculine-presenting children, leading to their assignment to reproductive and productive work, regardless of their actual gender identity.
  • The discussion highlights the importance of understanding gender analysis and biases, particularly in relation to socialization institutions like family and education.
  • Participants are encouraged to share questions during the open forum, with a health break scheduled for 5 minutes at 2:36 PM, resuming at 2:41 PM.
  • Gender biases manifest in various ways, including the assignment of toys based on gender, which can lead to stigmatization and misunderstanding of gender identity among children.
  • The Magna Carta of Women identifies marginalized sectors, including small farmers, indigenous peoples, and persons with disabilities, emphasizing the intersectionality of gender issues.
  • Historical context reveals that LGBTQ+ representation in the Philippines has evolved, with significant events like the first pride march in Asia on June 26, 1994.
  • Current estimates suggest that approximately 5% of Metro Manila's population identifies as LGBTQ+, translating to about 5.45 million individuals nationwide based on the Philippines' total population.
  • Advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights continues, with organizations working to improve visibility and representation, while addressing the ongoing challenges faced by marginalized communities.

04:08:18

Violence and Discrimination Against LGBTQ+ Communities

  • From January to September 2021, 16 transgender individuals were murdered, highlighting severe violence against the community and the need for remembrance on November 20 each year.
  • The absence of hate crime laws complicates the classification of these murders, as they are not recognized as hate crimes despite being motivated by gender-based violence.
  • Online threats, including death threats, have been reported against LGBTQ+ activists, particularly a gay Muslim filmmaker advocating for LGBTQ+ rights in the Bangsamoro region.
  • In Magindanao, six women aged 16 to 20 faced public punishment, including head shaving, due to their sexual orientation, with parental consent and viral social media documentation.
  • During the pandemic, three LGBTQ+ individuals in Pampanga were forced to perform humiliating acts as punishment for curfew violations, highlighting systemic discrimination and harassment.
  • LGBTQ+ couples in the Philippines were denied relief goods during the pandemic due to misconceptions about household definitions, revealing gaps in understanding by local government units.
  • A study by the Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce found that only 17% of businesses have anti-discrimination policies explicitly addressing sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • Intersex children face medical interventions to conform to binary gender norms, often without legislative protection, raising concerns about consent and the ethics of such procedures.
  • Reports indicate that intersex individuals experience discrimination in healthcare, legal recognition issues, and are often subjected to genital mutilation in various regions globally.
  • LGBTQ+ youth in the Philippines encounter bullying and discrimination in schools, exacerbated by a lack of inclusive curricula and insufficient teacher training on LGBTQ+ issues.

04:31:19

Global Health Inequities and DEI Progress

  • Since the pandemic began, 77.5 million people have been infected with HIV globally, highlighting significant inequalities in power, rights, and voice that drive the epidemic.
  • Comprehensive sexuality education is crucial to combat teenage pregnancy and HIV, as many young people lack understanding of their sexuality and are at risk due to misinformation.
  • Recent research by Babaylanes shows that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices in major Philippine companies improve employee well-being, productivity, and retention, enhancing public reputation and market reach.
  • Effective DEI practices include support for LGBTQ+ events, equal benefits for same-sex partners, anti-harassment policies, grievance mechanisms, and gender-inclusive facilities, fostering a safe workplace environment.
  • In the Philippines, 49 out of 73 local government units have implemented comprehensive anti-discrimination ordinances, but only 33.4% of the population is protected under these policies.
  • Local government units in Luzon, NCR, Visayas, and Mindanao are making strides in anti-discrimination efforts, with various ordinances amended to promote safety and inclusivity for marginalized communities.
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