Overview
The Philippines has made strides in gender equality, ranking high in regional comparisons. However, significant challenges persist, particularly for women and girls who face gender-based violence (GBV), heightened by crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. This situation has aggravated risks of violence, health issues, and educational setbacks.
Men and boys also encounter disparities, especially in education, with lower enrollment rates than girls. Boys' education suffers from social influences and a disconnection from the schooling system. The landscape of gender equality in the Philippines thus presents a blend of progress and enduring obstacles that require continued attention and targeted action.
Gender Equality
The Philippines has made commendable strides in closing gender gaps, ranking second in East Asia and the Pacific in the 2021 Gender Gap Report, just behind New Zealand. This recognition underscores the country's ongoing commitment to gender equality.
Despite these achievements, the Philippines experienced a slight setback, with its gender equality rating dropping by 2 points in 2020 on the World Bank’s Women, Business, and the Law index. The COVID-19 pandemic has been a major factor, exacerbating pre-existing inequalities that impact women disproportionately.
Gender-based Violence and Inequalities
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Gender-Based Violence remains a critical issue in the Philippines. A rapid assessment in October 2017 revealed that girls and young women are at an "increased risk [of] GBV, including sexual abuse, exploitation, and early/forced marriage."
The 2017 National Demographic and Health Survey indicated that 1 in 20 women and girls aged 15-49 have been victims of sexual violence at some point in their lives.
Impact of Conflict on Sexual Violence
Conflict-affected areas report significant incidences of sexual violence, with 45% of conflict sites reporting girls as the most affected group. This statistic highlights the heightened vulnerabilities faced by girls and women in unstable regions.
Pandemic Amplifies Gendered Inequalities
The COVID-19 crisis has intensified gendered inequalities, particularly in domestic violence and sexual and reproductive health. Oxfam Philippines' partners noted increased rates of maternal and neonatal deaths, miscarriages, gender-based violence, unintended pregnancies, and child early and forced marriages during the pandemic. Young pregnant women are increasingly opting for home-based deliveries, which can lead to complications without proper medical care.
Gender-Based Violence remains a critical issue in the Philippines. A rapid assessment in October 2017 revealed that girls and young women are at an "increased risk [of] GBV, including sexual abuse, exploitation, and early/forced marriage."
The 2017 National Demographic and Health Survey indicated that 1 in 20 women and girls aged 15-49 have been victims of sexual violence at some point in their lives.
Impact of Conflict on Sexual Violence
Conflict-affected areas report significant incidences of sexual violence, with 45% of conflict sites reporting girls as the most affected group. This statistic highlights the heightened vulnerabilities faced by girls and women in unstable regions.
Pandemic Amplifies Gendered Inequalities
The COVID-19 crisis has intensified gendered inequalities, particularly in domestic violence and sexual and reproductive health. Oxfam Philippines' partners noted increased rates of maternal and neonatal deaths, miscarriages, gender-based violence, unintended pregnancies, and child early and forced marriages during the pandemic. Young pregnant women are increasingly opting for home-based deliveries, which can lead to complications without proper medical care.
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The digital space has also become a battleground for gender-based violence, with the National Capital Region and Central Luzon reporting the highest instances. The most common forms of Online GBV (OGBV) include the non-consensual use of intimate images, threats, blackmail, and manipulation of personal data.
The digital space has also become a battleground for gender-based violence, with the National Capital Region and Central Luzon reporting the highest instances. The most common forms of Online GBV (OGBV) include the non-consensual use of intimate images, threats, blackmail, and manipulation of personal data.
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Notably, gender disparities in the Philippines are not exclusive to girls; boys also face significant inequalities, particularly in education.
Boys are generally less likely to be enrolled in schools compared to girls across various education levels.
The lower enrollment rates for boys can be attributed to peer influence, lack of personal interest, and potentially other socio-economic factors. This suggests a need for targeted interventions to address the specific challenges that boys face in accessing education.
These assessments provide a clear picture of the gendered challenges in the Philippines, indicating both progress and areas where focused efforts are needed to achieve true gender equality.
Notably, gender disparities in the Philippines are not exclusive to girls; boys also face significant inequalities, particularly in education.
Boys are generally less likely to be enrolled in schools compared to girls across various education levels.
The lower enrollment rates for boys can be attributed to peer influence, lack of personal interest, and potentially other socio-economic factors. This suggests a need for targeted interventions to address the specific challenges that boys face in accessing education.
These assessments provide a clear picture of the gendered challenges in the Philippines, indicating both progress and areas where focused efforts are needed to achieve true gender equality.