gender & society module 4 midterm
should ensure that
political party laws and other
relevant legislation do not
disadvantage women
governments
can hinder women’s political representation and reduce women’s likelihood of putting themselves forward as candidates, and of being selected within the party
Gender stereotypes
are
male
dominated, with 85.8% men in
leading positions.
Political parties
The way the media
treat
and
interview
different
candidates
in
elections
can
perpetrate existing stereotypes and
as a consequence affect voting
decisions.
Role of media
The higher the level at politics, the
fewer women.
The reasons may be different: some
women lack confidence to apply for
senior positions, some lack the
necessary preparation and training,
others are excluded from senior
positions because of non-transparent
recruitment
and
promotion
and
systematic gender favoritism.
Career Development
While the
Qur’an includes passages that honor women
(e.g., the Prophet Muhammad’s respect for
his wife Khadijah), it also contains verses
like Qur’an 4:34, which supports male
authority over women—leading to unequal
treatment in practice.
Qur’anic Text vs. Practice:
Although
Allah is considered beyond gender, Islamic
texts often refer to God as “He,” reinforcing
a patriarchal framework in how divinity is
perceived.
Gendered Language for God
Practices such as requiring women to
wear the hijab and imposing movement
restrictions reflect cultural interpretations
that limit women’s autonomy, often in the
name of religious modesty.
Cultural Traditions and Control
Islamic norms often demand more modesty, obedience, and submission from women than from men, highlighting an imbalance in gender expectations and roles within religious life.
Double Standards
In pre-colonial Philippine societies, women known as Babaylan held high spiritual authority. They were shamans, healers, and community leaders.
Babaylan Tradition
Babaylans were
central to healing practices, spiritual guidance,
and leadership in both social and religious
matters
Role of Women in Rituals
Spanish colonization diminished the role of women in spiritual leadership, favoring male Christian leaders.
Colonial Impact
In some religious communities, women's
involvement in worship, decision-making, and religious leadership
remains limited.
Unequal Participation
Gender inequality is sometimes
masked as religious tradition, further reinforcing patriarchal norms
Discrimination Under Religious Guise
refers to how laws, legal institutions, and policies impact individuals differently based on their gender
Gender and the Legal System
This encompasses both legal protections—
such as anti-discrimination laws, rights for
women and LGBTQ+ individuals, and
safeguards against gender-based violence—
and legal challenges, including gender bias in
courts, lack of legal recognition, and limited
access to justice.
Gender and the Legal System
A comprehensive women's human
rights law in the Philippines.
Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710)
Guarantees equality before the
law, protection from violence and
discrimination, and equal access
to education, employment, and
health services.
Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710)
Protects women and children from physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse.
Anti-Violence Against Women and Their
Children Act (RA 9262)
There are ongoing efforts to pass the SOGIE Equality Bill, which aims to protect LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination in schools, workplaces, and public spaces.
Anti-Discrimination Bills
refers to the inclusion of all genders in
the workforce, economic activities, and
access to economic opportunities.
Gender and Economic Participation
It also involves ensuring that individuals are
not limited or discriminated against based
on their gender when it comes to
employment,
entrepreneurship,
wages, and career advancement.
Gender and Economic Participation