Gender and Development

“Gender and Development" or GAD is a development framework and process that emphasizes participation, empowerment, equity, sustainability, non-violence, and respect for human rights. It promotes self-determination and the actualization of human potential while fostering an environment that upholds these values for all.

GAD aims to achieve gender equality as a core value that influences development choices. It calls for transformative changes in society's social, economic, and political structures, questioning traditional gender roles prescribed to women and men. Importantly, GAD recognizes women as active agents of development rather than passive beneficiaries of assistance. It further underscores the critical need for women to organize themselves and engage in political processes to advance and protect their legal rights

The foundation of GAD in the Philippines starts with the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which declares: “The State values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights, and recognizes the fundamental equality of women and men before the law.” This principle sets the stage for gender equality and human rights as cornerstones of national development.

Republic Act No. 9710, or the Magna Carta of Women, builds on this mandate by serving as a comprehensive human rights law. It advocates for women's empowerment, equal opportunities for women and men, and equitable access to resources, ensuring that development efforts benefit all individuals equally.

The Philippines is also party to international agreements that promote gender equality, including the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, the Beijing Platform for Action, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (2015–2030), among other similar treaties and commitments.

Mainstreaming GAD in the DFA and the Embassy

The Department of Foreign Affairs actively promotes GAD through various initiatives aligned with these national and international commitments to gender equality. One of its priorities is the DFA GAD Agenda for CYs 2023-2028, which aims to strengthen women’s participation in foreign policy formulation and implementation, particularly in advancing national security. This agenda integrates gender perspectives into the department’s operations, ensuring inclusivity and sensitivity in foreign affairs. By incorporating GAD principles into its programs, the DFA reinforces its responsibility to empower women and eliminate gender disparities while contributing to local and global development goals.

To mainstream GAD activities, the DFA collaborates with the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) to build capacity within its offices and overseas posts. Workshops and training sessions ensure that gender-responsive planning and budgeting, as mandated under Republic Act No. 9710, are implemented effectively. Philippine embassies and consulates worldwide exemplify this commitment through programs that highlight women’s empowerment and address gender-related issues.

At the Philippine Embassy in New Zealand, we actively participate in the annual Women’s Month celebrations and the 10-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women. The embassy has gone beyond advocacy by establishing facilities catering to the specific needs of women and families, such as a breastfeeding corner and a kid’s play corner. Furthermore, it organizes webinars and other initiatives on topics related to GAD, including anti-violence against women and other gender-related themes, which serve as platforms for education, empowerment, and community engagement.

The Embassy also incorporates GAD activities in its diplomatic work. We highlight gender-focused programs such as promoting women’s inclusivity, conducting social awareness campaigns, and providing online resources like GAD corners, which contain policies, guidelines, and tools related to gender mainstreaming. Through gender-sensitive policies, facilities, we demonstrate our commitment to empowering women and ensuring equitable development. These initiatives are aligned with the government’s broader vision to integrate GAD principles into both governance and diplomacy, creating an inclusive environment where every gender can thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.