Gender Mainstreaming Among Local Government Units (LGUs) in Guimaras

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the stage level of gender mainstreaming which identified the objectives at each stage in the process, as to foundation formation, installation of strategic mechanisms, GAD application and commitment enhancement, and institutionalization and that which correspond to the four entry points as to its policy, people, enabling mechanisms, and programs, projects, and activities.

Descriptive research design was used to determine the level of gender mainstreaming initiatives of local government units in Guimaras using the Gender Mainstreaming and Evaluation Framework (GMEF), a tool which has already been established in assessing the gender mainstreaming efforts of the government and which provides impact to the behavior and practices among local government employees and the respective clientele.

The GAD Focal Point Persons of the five municipal LGUs and the provincial government were the respondents of the study, all of whom had already organized their respective GAD Focal Point Systems.

Results revealed that all of them were female, with majority aging between 51–60 years old, college graduates, and with a monthly income of more than Php 20,000.00.

At the foundation formation of gender mainstreaming, all LGUs have shown their commitment of support for GAD by issuing policies and raising people's awareness on gender. All LGUs have put in place the key people, necessary policies, support structures, systems, and mechanisms to facilitate gender mainstreaming, though there was no sporadic application of GAD concepts and tools.

Overall, LGUs are at Stage 2 level of gender mainstreaming — the Installation of Strategic Mechanisms Stage.