Gender Sensitivity

GENDER SENSITIVITY I. Definitions: Sex vs. Gender What is sex? Sex, is defined by the gonads either phenotypically or genotypically. It is generally assigned at birth by external genital appearance. Gender on the other hand is identified by one’s own identification as male, female or intersex. Gender may also be based on legal status, social interactions, public persona, experiences. In short, sex is biologically determined, whereas gender is culturally determined. Gender sensitivity is the awareness and insight into the state of the other sex, with reference to historical roots of sexist stereotyping, discrimination and violence. Another definition would be the awareness and acceptance of the roles and duties of each, as expected from them and from the people that they work with. It acknowledges the different roles & responsibilities of women and men in the community and the relationships between them. Men and women are different, therefore their experiences, needs, issues and priorities are different. Strategies are also different to achieve equitable outcomes for women and men. Global development aims to improve the life of every person, regardless of ability, age, sexual orientation, gender, race, class or ethnicity. II. Objectives: -

To reduce barriers in developing personal and economic success created by sexism To generate respect for individuals regardless of sex.

III. Facts: Gender sensitivity is an integral part of decision making in industrialized countries where there is a growing number of female headed households, especially in the urban setting. In less developed countries, these issues are aggravated by cheap, gender insensitive alternatives which cause stress and discomfort especially among females whose needs greatly differ from men. However, Gender Sensitivity is not about pitting women against men. An education that is gender sensitive benefits members of both sexes. Sexism creates bias and promotes an unjust society. It exists both among men and among women. It does not respect individuals according to their aspirations, potentials or abilities. IV. Issues on Gender Sensitivity IV. A. Gender Roles 1. Productive – comprises the work done by both women and men for payment in cash or kind

2. Reproductive – comprises the childbearing responsibilities and domestic tasks required to guarantee the maintenance and wellbeing of household members. It includes not only biological reproduction but also the care and maintenance of the persons who comprise the household. 3. Community management role – comprises activities undertaken at the community level to contribute to the development or political organization of the community. It is usually voluntary, unpaid work. Role and Status of the Filipina: -

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1990’s  women in more than just a portion of professions, however mainly comprising of domestic service (91%), professional and technical positions (59.4%) and sales (57%). 1990’s  women represented 64% of college graduates but held only 159 of 982 (16%) of career top executive positions at the civil service and only 15% in the private sector. Gender discrimination: o Sexual differences are biological differences and gender differences are socially or culturally constructed. o Sexism – prejudice or discrimination on the grounds of sex, especially against women.  Attitude or mindset which “justifies” main control over women, headship for the man and subordination for women & such attitude often justifies discrimination and violence against women.  Restricts perception of dignity and worth of women, denies their contribution to society, and makes their rights and opportunities conditional, resulting in their vulnerability o In the workplace, denial of employments to women due to women’s reproductive role or rigidity in attitude, which hinders the reproductive role of women.  E.g. non-flexible work hours and timings, non-availability of day care services, lack of maternity leave. Society Preference for Boys o The female sex has traditionally been percieved as inferior to men. o In several areas of the world, new boys are a cause of celebration but girls are considered as a financial burden. Women have the traditional role as mothers and housekeepers, helpers, onlookers, care providers and carriers… While Men are depicted as decision-makers, businessmen and doctors.