GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT

 

The 1987 Constitution states two prominent provisions. The first in the Declaration of Principles Article II Section 14, which asserted that “The State recognizes the role of women in nation-building and shall ensure the fundamental equality before the law of women and men.” Additionally, the Article XIII-Labor: Section 14 provided that “The state shall protect working women by providing safe and healthful working conditions taking into account their maternal functions, and such facilities and opportunities that will enhance their welfare and enable them to realize their full potential in the service of the nation”.

Following from constitutional provisions and the subsequent efforts to broaden its principles, numerous legislation were enacted that relates to the various aspects of women and gender concerns including the Gender and Development Law requiring 5% of the government agencies’ budget is for gender concerns. Further, Gender and Development (GAD) Framework and Mainstreaming have been initiated.

The GAD approach seeks to promote equitable and sustainable development by changing unequal gender relations between men and women. This GAD approach addresses not only the practical needs of both sexes but to improve their conditions, but also more importantly, women’s strategic needs.

Mainstreaming of GAD is a strategy for development that ensures that the processes, practices and policies of an organization, program or project are responsive to gender issues and women’s concerns.

In LLDA, a Memorandum Order (MO) was created designating staff from each division as members of the LLDA Gender and Development Focal Point System (GAD-FPS). It is further strengthen with the issuance of another MO No. 2008-75 reconstituting the LLDA GAD-FPS.

Several activities and programs have been initiated such as Christmas Party cum Family Day, Establishment of Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in Calauan Office, Livelihood Seminars and Tree Planting Activity in Sta. Maria.

LLDA GAD-FPS has also been participating in the Women’s Month Celebration, forum on RH Bill and GAD- related lectures and seminars in collaboration with DENR-GAD.