GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT

HILDA L. SANTOS

$n overvieZ of Jender and development emphasizes the unequal status and circumstances that e[ist for men and Zomen in society. 6ince men and Zomen have different demands and interests in terms of development, the primary obMective of Jender and development, or *$', is to equalize their riJhts. 0any initiatives on Jender and development, Zith a focus on Zomen s empoZerment in particu lar, have been planned by the 3hilippine Jovernment and its affiliated aJencies. The history Zill shoZ us hoZ Zomen Zere treated and positioned differently in the past, but thanNs to *$', Zomen s advancement has become apparent. They Zere able to comprehend and overcome discrimination and eventually reach Jender equality.

$s more and more Zomen hold roles in politics and administration, they have the riJht to contribute to decision maNinJ processes and e[press their oZn thouJhts and vieZpoints. This important achieve ment Zas made by Zomen.

$s chanJes taNe place in meetinJ the needs and interests of every man and Zoman in the nation, the siJnificance of Jender and development is becominJ more apparent. To Juarantee the success of this initiative, it Zas scheduled in the Jovernment aJencys annual implementation plan as assistance. $s a success indicator, television has demonstrated that more Zomens riJhts have been attained and that they have taNen part in the struJJle for these riJhts in both their personal and professional life. The /*%T community is also covered in this article, since they are fiJhtinJ for and ZinninJ their riJhts independently. The orJanization acNnoZledJes the unique demands and problems of Zomen, in line Zith Zomen s JroZth and empoZerment. The administration acNnoZledJed the riJhts and neZ is sues.

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The author is Teacher ,,, at 3aJuiruan +iJh 6chool