Gender and Development (GAD) Awareness in a Higher Education Institution

Abstract

In spite of the Philippines’ stellar position among countries with viable track records in gender equality, there is still a need to propagate such advocacy to the widest audience as possible. As such, the study aimed to determine school community awareness on Gender and Development (GAD) in a higher education institution as a potential basis for its comprehensive dissemination. Twenty-two faculty members, eleven administrative staff and fifty-two graduating students participated in the investigation. A researcher-made questionnaire was crafted to cull out respondents’ GAD perceptions and impressions. Likert scale in conjunction with mean and ranking scheme was utilized. Faculty members, staff and students of Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Sto. Tomas Branch, as a whole, are found aware of GAD. While they are moderately aware of gender issues and government agencies integrating GAD plan to programs, projects and activities, however, they are aware of gender roles and national mandates and other related laws. Furthermore, school community members are conscious of significant factors affecting GAD awareness. In this regard, sustainability of the GAD program should be ensured through wider information dissemination using print and non-print forms; establishment of network and linkages among constituents working on gender concerns to share information and strategies; and creation of opportunities for collaboration through peer-peer exchanges and exposure visits. The authorities should give full support to GAD-initiated activities and should create a monitoring body to ensure compliance of government agencies with GAD provisions and to assist in promoting knowledge and appreciation of the GAD programs and activities.

Keywords: Gender and Development (GAD), Gender Equality, Women’s Empowerment, Gender Issues, Gender Roles