2024 GAD Webinar Series - Episode 1 - Basic GAD Concepts and SOGIESC
Philippine Commission on Women・2 minutes read
The training session aims to enhance gender sensitivity among 999 participants, with a notable emphasis on inclusivity and addressing misconceptions about gender identity, roles, and discrimination, as evidenced by pre-test results and participant demographics. While many attendees have attended training on gender issues, the need for continued education is clear, especially in light of significant gaps in understanding and the ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and marginalized communities.
Insights
- The training session begins with a registration process that assesses participants' training needs and existing knowledge, ensuring that the content is relevant and tailored to their specific requirements.
- The webinar attracted a diverse audience of 999 participants, predominantly female (78%), with a notable representation of individuals with disabilities, underscoring the importance of inclusivity in training programs.
- Geographic participation trends show that most attendees are from Luzon, particularly the National Capital Region, indicating a regional concentration that may influence the training's focus and outreach strategies.
- A significant portion of participants has limited experience with gender sensitivity training, with many attending only one or two sessions, highlighting a critical area for further education and skill development.
- The resource speaker, Miss Jocely Beltran Balanag, brings expertise in gender and development training, including experience at the United Nations, which adds credibility and depth to the session's content.
- Participants demonstrated a solid understanding of basic gender concepts, yet many struggled with more complex definitions, revealing gaps in knowledge that the training aims to address.
- The session emphasizes the socially constructed nature of gender roles, illustrating how societal expectations can limit individual potential and perpetuate stereotypes in various contexts, including the workplace and family dynamics.
- The importance of using gender-fair language is highlighted, as language plays a crucial role in shaping perceptions and reinforcing gender biases, with recommendations for more inclusive terminology.
- The discussion of LGBTQ+ issues and the historical context of advocacy in the Philippines reveals ongoing struggles for rights and representation, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to address discrimination and promote inclusivity 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, which can manifest in various forms such as harassment, bias in hiring practices, and disparities in pay. It affects both men and women, although women often face more systemic discrimination in many societies. This discrimination can be overt, such as explicit policies that favor one gender over another, or subtle, such as societal norms that dictate what roles are appropriate for each gender. Understanding gender discrimination is crucial for addressing inequalities and promoting fairness in all aspects of life, including the workplace, education, and personal relationships.
How can I improve my communication skills?
Improving communication skills involves several key strategies that can enhance both verbal and non-verbal interactions. First, practice active listening, which means fully concentrating on what the other person is saying rather than just waiting for your turn to speak. This fosters better understanding and rapport. Additionally, expanding your vocabulary and being mindful of your tone can significantly impact how your message is received. Engaging in public speaking or joining groups like Toastmasters can provide valuable practice and feedback. Lastly, being aware of body language and non-verbal cues can help convey confidence and clarity in your communication.
What are the benefits of gender equality?
Gender equality brings numerous benefits to society, including economic growth, improved health outcomes, and enhanced social cohesion. When men and women have equal opportunities, it leads to a more diverse workforce, which can drive innovation and productivity. Gender equality also contributes to better decision-making processes, as diverse perspectives are considered. Furthermore, societies that prioritize gender equality tend to experience lower rates of violence and higher levels of education and health for all individuals. Ultimately, promoting gender equality is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage for sustainable development.
What is the gender pay gap?
The gender pay gap refers to the difference in earnings between women and men in the workforce, often expressed as a percentage of men's earnings. This gap can arise from various factors, including occupational segregation, where women and men are concentrated in different industries or job roles that pay differently. Additionally, discrimination and biases in hiring, promotions, and salary negotiations contribute to the disparity. Addressing the gender pay gap is essential for achieving economic equality and ensuring that all individuals are compensated fairly for their work, regardless of gender.
How does gender socialization occur?
Gender socialization is the process through which individuals learn and internalize the norms, behaviors, and roles associated with their gender. This process begins in early childhood and is influenced by various agents, including family, schools, media, and peer groups. For instance, parents may encourage boys to engage in active play and girls to participate in nurturing activities, reinforcing traditional gender roles. Schools often perpetuate these norms through biased curricula and teacher interactions. Media representations also play a significant role by portraying stereotypical images of masculinity and femininity. Understanding gender socialization is crucial for recognizing how societal expectations shape individual identities and behaviors.
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Summary
00:00
Training Session Highlights Gender Awareness Gaps
- The training session includes a registration process that incorporates a training needs assessment (TNA) and a pre-test to evaluate participants' existing knowledge on the topic, ensuring that the training is tailored to their needs.
- A total of 999 participants registered for the webinar, with 759 females (78%) and 240 males (22%), indicating a significant gender disparity in attendance.
- The webinar aims to promote inclusivity, with 53 participants (1.88%) identifying as persons with disabilities, including those with visual impairments, mobility issues, and hearing difficulties.
- Geographically, the majority of participants are from Luzon, particularly the National Capital Region (NCR), followed by Region 4A (Calabarzon), and Regions 2 and 3, with notable participation from Regions 6 and 7 in the Visayas.
- Among the participants, 559 are from the executive branch, and 516 (52%) reported not being members of their respective Gender and Development (GAD) focal points, while 48% confirmed their membership.
- Most participants (488) attended one to two trainings on gender sensitivity and gender fair communication, highlighting a need for further education on these topics.
- 61% of participants indicated that GAD orientation is included in their employee orientation for new hires, reflecting a commitment to gender mainstreaming in their organizations.
- Familiarity with key gender concepts is high, with 81.4% of participants confident in discussing sex and gender, and 78.5% familiar with gender issues, although many still have limited knowledge in areas like power relations and gender division of labor.
- The pre-test results revealed common misconceptions, with many participants struggling with definitions related to gender roles, gender equity, and gender discrimination, indicating areas for improvement in understanding.
- The session will conclude with a post-test to assess knowledge gained, ensuring that participants can earn an e-certificate based on their performance in the post-test rather than the pre-test.
18:10
Understanding Gender Concepts and Education Needs
- The correct answers for the blanks in the assessment are "sexual orientation" for the first blank and "gender identity" for the second blank, with 636 participants answering incorrectly.
- Gender expression, defined as the external presentation of gender identity through clothing, haircut, voice, and bodily movements, was correctly identified by the majority of participants as "gender expression" for question 10.
- Yvon, a 23-year-old female with XX chromosomes, identifies as a cisgender feminine female and regularly wears flowy dresses in pastel colors; 529 participants answered this correctly for question 11.
- The term "gender binary," which classifies gender into two distinct opposites (masculine and feminine), was correctly identified by 657 participants for question 12.
- For question 13, the statement that exhibits gender fairness is "Party list representative Juana del la Cruz has pushed for the assessment of the implementation of RA 9262," with 529 participants answering correctly.
- A majority of participants demonstrated familiarity with basic gender concepts and had attended one to two trainings on gender fair communication, indicating a good grasp of the topics.
- More than half of the participants came from agencies that conduct gender orientation or include gender sensitivity training modules in employee orientations, reflecting a solid understanding of gender concepts.
- Participants are encouraged to engage in the current webinar to better understand practical gender needs and issues, highlighting the ongoing need for education in this area.
- Miss Jocely Beltran Balanag, the resource speaker, holds a master's degree in public management and has extensive experience in gender and development training, including representation at the United Nations.
- The session will cover foundational concepts of gender as a social construct, emphasizing the distinction between biological sex and socially constructed gender roles, which vary across cultures and time.
41:53
Understanding Gender Roles and Social Expectations
- Individuals cannot give birth based on their reproductive organs; only men produce sperm, highlighting the biological differences between genders.
- Gender is socially constructed, allowing women to perform traditionally male jobs and men to take on caregiving roles, indicating that gender roles can change over time.
- Gender norms dictate societal expectations for behavior based on gender, influencing how boys and girls are treated and the values associated with masculinity and femininity.
- Society imposes specific behaviors on genders, such as boys being encouraged to engage with action-oriented toys and girls being expected to be modest and emotional.
- The male reproductive role involves fertilizing the egg and determining the child's sex, while the female reproductive role encompasses gestation, childbirth, and lactation.
- Gender roles are assigned based on societal expectations, with females often associated with nurturing and submissiveness, while males are linked to dominance and assertiveness.
- In the workforce, men are typically seen as primary income earners in productive roles, while women often engage in unpaid reproductive roles, such as child-rearing and household management.
- Women in rural areas often participate in subsistence economies, while urban women may work in informal sectors, contributing to household income as secondary earners.
- Traditional gender roles limit access to public work and independence for women, while men are often denied emotional expression and nurturing roles.
- Gender roles are learned through socialization processes, including manipulation and canalization, which shape behaviors and expectations from early childhood.
01:07:56
Gender Socialization and Its Societal Impact
- Gender socialization involves how parents guide children's interests and activities based on gender norms, with specific expectations for boys and girls during their upbringing.
- Verbal affiliation is a key process where parents label children with phrases like "good girl" or "pretty girl," reinforcing traditional gender roles through language.
- Activity exposure refers to the types of activities children are encouraged to engage in, with girls often helping at home and boys participating in outdoor activities with their fathers, reflecting societal norms.
- The family is identified as the primary agent of gender socialization, where children learn gender roles through verbal communication, expectations, and the types of toys and clothing they receive.
- Canalization directs children's attention to specific objects and activities deemed appropriate for their gender, while manipulation involves different handling and treatment of boys and girls from a young age.
- Schools perpetuate gender socialization through biased teaching materials, unequal treatment of students, and a hidden curriculum that conveys implicit gender messages.
- Gender tracking in education assigns subjects like math and science to boys, while girls are steered towards arts and home economics, reinforcing traditional gender roles.
- Media serves as a powerful agent of gender socialization, often portraying women in domestic roles and men in positions of power, thus reinforcing stereotypes through advertisements and programming.
- Religious institutions contribute to gender socialization by promoting doctrines that often depict women in subordinate roles, further entrenching gender inequality.
- The state plays a significant role in gender socialization by enacting laws and policies that can perpetuate discrimination against women and marginalized groups, influencing societal norms and expectations.
01:36:31
Gender Bias and Stereotypes in Society
- The law on concubinage allows husbands to engage in extramarital relationships while making it difficult for wives to prove cases of concubinage, highlighting a gender bias in legal protections for women.
- Gender discrimination refers to unequal treatment based on gender, encompassing harassment and discrimination related to sex, gender identity, or gender expression, which affects both men and women.
- Gender stereotypes assign specific roles and characteristics to men and women, such as the expectation that women should be nurturing and men should be assertive and career-focused, limiting individual potential and self-actualization.
- Domestic behavior stereotypes dictate that men should relax at home while women handle household chores, reinforcing traditional gender roles and expectations within the family structure.
- Occupational stereotypes lead to assumptions that certain jobs, like teaching and nursing, are for women, while engineering and piloting are for men, ignoring women's capabilities in all fields.
- Marginalization occurs when women are pushed to the edges of society, leading to their contributions being undervalued and their needs ignored, resulting in limited opportunities and recognition in the workforce.
- The gender pay gap persists due to historical roles where women managed the home without financial compensation, while men earned wages, perpetuating economic inequality.
- Political subordination of women is evident in practices that limit their participation in decision-making processes, such as being silenced in conferences or denied education, reinforcing their secondary status in society.
- Gender-based violence, including physical, sexual, and psychological abuse, is a significant issue, with statistics indicating that one in three women and one in four men have experienced violence from intimate partners.
- Language plays a crucial role in perpetuating gender bias, as sexist language can devalue women and reinforce male supremacy, affecting socialization and cultural perceptions of gender roles.
02:01:47
Promoting Gender Equality Through Language Changes
- Sexist language often employs the generic masculine, which excludes women and makes them invisible; for example, instead of saying "an employee should wear his ID at all times," use "employees should wear their IDs at all times."
- Terms that end in "man" can be replaced with gender-neutral alternatives; for instance, "anchor man" can be changed to "anchor" or "anchor person," and "businessman" can be replaced with "business executive" or "business owner."
- Language that trivializes women includes outdated terms like "actress" and "male nurse," which can be replaced with "actor" and "nurse," respectively, to promote equality.
- To avoid disparaging language, use terms like "saleswomen" instead of "sales girls," and refer to women in professional roles as "women" rather than "ladies" or "starlets."
- Gender-neutral language should be used in relationships; for example, instead of "man and wife," use "husband and wife," and instead of "delivery boy," use "delivery person" or "delivery worker."
- Avoid gender polarization in language; for instance, describe men as "outraged" rather than "angry," and women as "hysterical," which reinforces negative stereotypes.
- Recognize the hidden assumptions in language that reflect a male-centered worldview, such as using terms like "cheesecake" or "honey" to describe women, which objectifies them.
- Gender and development initiatives aim to address the gender gap by ensuring equal rights and opportunities for both women and men across all sectors, including economic participation and decision-making.
- Practical gender needs for women include access to food, housing, safe water, health services, and education for children, while strategic gender needs address issues like legal rights, domestic violence, and equal wages.
- Organizations should integrate gender-sensitive policies and practices, allocate a minimum of 5% of their budget for gender and development programs, and advocate for gender equality both personally and institutionally.
02:27:18
Understanding Sex Characteristics and Gender Identity
- The discussion begins with an introduction to the concepts of sex characteristics (SC) and gender (SOJI), emphasizing the distinction between biological sex and gender identity, which is layered and complex.
- Participants are encouraged to recall their education on sex characteristics, with a poll indicating that 62% learned about these concepts in elementary school, while 27% encountered them in high school, and only 7% in college or graduate studies.
- A review of primary and secondary sex characteristics is provided, noting that females typically have XX chromosomes, a vagina, ovaries, and higher estrogen levels, while males have XY chromosomes, a penis, and higher testosterone levels.
- The term "intersex" is introduced, explaining that it encompasses over 40 variations of sex characteristics that do not fit typical male or female definitions, and clarifying 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, and includes categories such as transgender, cisgender, and non-binary identities.
- The concept of gender fluidity is discussed, highlighting that individuals may not fit strictly into traditional gender categories and that gender identity can change over time.
- Sexual orientation is explained as a person's capacity for emotional affection and sexual attraction, with distinctions made between romantic orientation (who one is romantically attracted to) and sexual orientation (who one is sexually attracted to).
- Various types of romantic orientations are outlined, including aromantic (little to no romantic attraction), andromantic (attraction to masculinity), and gyromantic (attraction to femininity), as well as biromantic (attraction to multiple genders) and demiromantic (attraction after forming a deep emotional connection).
- The importance of using gender-fair language and being sensitive to the experiences of intersex and transgender individuals is emphasized, advocating for a respectful understanding of diverse identities.
- The session concludes with an invitation for participants to reflect on their own experiences and identities in relation to the discussed concepts, fostering an inclusive and open dialogue.
02:52:07
Understanding Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
- The text discusses various sexual orientations, starting with the definitions of omniromantic, polyromantic, and abromantic, highlighting that omniromantic individuals are attracted to all genders, while polyromantic individuals are attracted to many but not all genders, and abromantic individuals experience fluid romantic attraction over time.
- Heterosexuality is defined as attraction to the opposite gender, which is often assumed to be the norm in societal programs and policies, leading to a focus on heterosexual stakeholders and families, while neglecting the diversity of sexual orientations present in households.
- Homosexuality is explained as attraction to the same gender, with specific terms for women (lesbian) and men (gay), noting that "gay" is often used as an overarching term for homosexuals regardless of gender.
- Bisexuality is described as attraction to two or more genders, with a distinction made between bisexual individuals who may not be attracted to all genders and pansexual individuals who are attracted to all genders without concern for gender identity.
- Androsexuality and gynosexuality are introduced, where androsexual individuals are attracted to masculine presentations and gynosexual individuals are attracted to feminine presentations, emphasizing the fluidity of attraction based on gender expression.
- Asexuality is defined as the lack of sexual attraction to anyone, clarifying that asexual individuals may still experience romantic attraction and can identify within the LGBTQIA+ spectrum.
- Gender expression is explained as the outward manifestation of gender identity through appearance, dress, and behavior, with individuals able to express themselves in varying ways that do not necessarily align with their gender identity.
- The concept of gender binary is discussed, which classifies gender into two distinct forms (masculine and feminine), while acknowledging that many individuals do not subscribe to this binary and may identify as non-binary or gender non-conforming.
- The text emphasizes the importance of understanding sex characteristics, particularly in relation to intersex individuals, who may have genitalia that do not fit typical male or female classifications, highlighting the need for clarity in discussions about sex and gender.
- The discussion concludes with interactive polls aimed at assessing participants' understanding of sexual orientation and gender identity, illustrating the complexities and nuances involved in these concepts, and encouraging a learning process for all participants.
03:16:07
Understanding Intersex and Gender Identity Complexities
- The discussion begins with a poll about sexual orientation, where 79% of participants identify as asexual intersex and 21% as gender female, highlighting the complexity of sexual attraction and identity.
- A participant shares their experience of giving birth last month, stating their spouse is a good biological parent, and the poll results show a divided response among participants regarding gender identity, with 49% identifying as female and 51% as heterosexual female.
- The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding intersex identities, noting that intersex individuals may not fit traditional male or female categories, and the implications of this on their ability to reproduce.
- A participant identifies as masculine and agrees with their family’s perception, stating they identify as a man and are attracted to men, leading to a poll result where 56% identify as masculine female homosexual transman.
- The session addresses common misconceptions about sex and gender, clarifying that not everyone is born strictly male or female, as intersex individuals exist and may not be immediately identified at birth.
- It is noted that intersex individuals represent approximately 1.7% of the population, which translates to about 1.85 million people in the Philippines based on a population of 109 million.
- The discussion debunks the myth that being intersex is a condition needing correction, explaining that there are over 40 variations of intersex traits and not all require medical intervention.
- The distinction between intersex and transgender identities is clarified, emphasizing that intersex refers to biological characteristics while transgender relates to gender identity, and not all intersex individuals identify as transgender.
- The existence of advocacy groups for intersex individuals is highlighted, including Intersex Philippines, which has 1.9k likes and is actively working to raise awareness and support for intersex rights.
- The session concludes with a poll indicating that 90% of participants agree that males, females, and intersex individuals can perform reproductive work, broadening the understanding of reproductive roles beyond traditional definitions.
03:40:23
Gender Roles and LGBTQ+ Advocacy Insights
- Observations indicate that feminine-presenting children are often relegated to reproductive work within households and communities, with 50% of participants acknowledging this and 72% agreeing with the statement regarding their roles.
- The discussion highlights that masculine-presenting children are also observed to be assigned to productive work, with 28% of participants responding and 76% agreeing that these children are engaged in labor that has monetary value.
- The conversation emphasizes the existence of gender binaries, noting that both feminine and masculine-presenting children can be assigned to either reproductive or productive work, regardless of their biological sex.
- Participants are encouraged to submit questions during the open forum, with a reminder that a health break will occur at 2:36 PM, resuming at 2:41 PM, allowing for a brief intermission.
- The session aims to address gender-based biases and issues, focusing on the influence of socialization institutions, including government and civil society, on gender roles and expectations.
- Examples of gender bias include the societal expectations placed on boys and girls, such as boys being given toys like cars and guns, while girls are often criticized for not conforming to traditional gender roles.
- The discussion touches on the historical context of LGBTQ+ representation in the Philippines, noting that 1 in 20 people in Metro Manila openly identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, totaling over 600,000 individuals.
- The first pride march in Asia occurred on June 26, 1994, at Quezon Memorial Circle, marking a significant moment in LGBTQ+ advocacy, with ongoing struggles for rights and representation highlighted throughout history.
- The session references the SOJI (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity) Bill, which was approved by the Senate panel on December 16, 2020, after 20 years of advocacy, indicating progress in LGBTQ+ rights.
- The presentation concludes with a call to action for continued advocacy and awareness of LGBTQ+ issues, emphasizing the need for visibility and representation in various societal contexts, including the importance of understanding the intersectionality of gender and marginalized sectors.
04:08:18
Violence and Discrimination Against LGBTQ+ Community
- From January 2021 to September 2021, there were 16 reported murders of transgender individuals, highlighting a significant issue of violence against this community, with names like Emy, Erica, and Julie mentioned to honor their memory.
- The absence of a hate crime law in the Philippines means that these murders are not classified as hate crimes, which could provide a framework for addressing the violence driven by gender-based hatred.
- Online threats, including death threats, have been reported against LGBTQ+ activists, particularly a gay Muslim filmmaker advocating for the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals in the Bangsamoro region, indicating a climate of fear and repression.
- In Magindanao province, six women aged 16 to 20 were publicly punished by having their heads shaved due to their sexual orientation, with parental consent, and the act was widely shared on social media, demonstrating societal intolerance.
- During the pandemic, three LGBTQ+ individuals in Pampanga were singled out for violating curfew and were forced to perform humiliating acts, including kissing and a sexual dance in front of a minor, under threat of arrest, showcasing systemic discrimination.
- LGBTQ+ couples faced exclusion from government relief efforts during the pandemic, as their households were not recognized as eligible for assistance, reflecting a lack of understanding of diverse family structures by local government units.
- A study by the Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce revealed that only 17% of businesses have anti-discrimination policies explicitly addressing sexual orientation and gender identity, indicating a significant gap in workplace protections.
- Intersex children are at risk of forced medical interventions to conform their bodies to binary gender norms, with no legislative protections against such practices, raising ethical concerns about consent and bodily autonomy.
- Reports indicate that intersex infants face infanticide in some regions, and those who survive often encounter discrimination in healthcare and legal recognition, complicating their access to rights and support.
- LGBTQ+ youth in schools experience bullying and discrimination, exacerbated by gender-insensitive curricula and a lack of teacher training on LGBTQ+ issues, which perpetuates a hostile environment and hinders their educational experience.
04:31:19
Addressing Inequalities and Promoting Inclusivity
- Since the start of the pandemic, 77.5 million people have been infected with HIV globally, highlighting the urgent need to address inequalities in power, status, rights, and voice that drive the HIV pandemic.
- Comprehensive sexuality education is crucial for young people to understand their sexuality and reduce risks associated with sexual behaviors, particularly in the context of rising teenage pregnancies, which are considered an emergency due to a lack of education.
- Recent research by Babaylanes indicates that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices in major Philippine companies positively impact employee well-being, productivity, and retention, while also enhancing the companies' public reputation and market reach.
- Effective DEI practices include providing support for resource groups, equal benefits for same-sex partners, protection against harassment, grievance mechanisms, and gender-inclusive policies, which create a safe and affirming workplace environment.
- In the Philippines, 49 out of 73 local government units (LGUs) have implemented comprehensive anti-discrimination ordinances, representing only 33.4% of the total population, indicating a significant gap in protections for marginalized communities.
- Specific LGUs in Luzon, such as Ilocos Province, Baguio City, and Dagupan, have revised their anti-discrimination ordinances, while areas in the National Capital Region (NCR) like Manila and Quezon City have varying levels of implementation, with some lacking such ordinances entirely.
- Participants in the discussion were encouraged to share their thoughts on the presented data and the current situation regarding anti-discrimination efforts, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and awareness in promoting inclusivity and protection against discrimination.
