RA 7192: Women in Development and Nation-Building Act

Summary

Republic Act 7192, also known as the Women in Development and Nation Building Act, promotes gender equality by ensuring women's full participation in nation-building. Historically marginalized, this act mandates at least 5% of the budget for gender concerns and equal rights in education, employment, and property ownership. It also addresses women's participation in post-conflict rebuilding for a more equitable society.

Takeaways

• 📜 Republic Act 7192, also known as the Women in Development and Nation Building Act, promotes gender equality in development and nation-building.
• 🌐 Historically, women were not granted the same rights and opportunities as men, including voting rights and property ownership upon marriage.
• 🏛️ The state recognizes women's role in nation-building and ensures legal equality between women and men.
• 💰 The act mandates a minimum of 5% of official development assistance to be allocated for gender concerns.
• 🏦 Government departments must ensure women's equal participation and benefit from development programs funded by foreign aid.
• 🔄 All government regulations must be reviewed and revised to remove gender bias.
• 🌾 NEDA is responsible for ensuring women's participation in foreign aid grants and loans, and for recommending allocations for women-focused development activities.
• 🏡 Rural development programs must prioritize income and employment opportunities for women to prevent rural-urban migration.
• 💼 Women must be actively involved in the planning, design, implementation, management, monitoring, and evaluation of development programs and projects.
• 💬 Women of legal age have the same contractual capacity as men, including borrowing, obtaining loans, and entering into insurance contracts.
• 🏢 Women have equal access to government and private sector programs, including agricultural credit, loans, and non-material resources.
• 👥 Married women have equal rights to apply for passports, secure visas, and other travel documents without needing their spouse's consent.
• 🏫 Women have equal opportunities for admission, training, and commissioning in military and national police schools.
• 🏡 Spouses who manage household affairs full-time can be covered under voluntary GSIS and SSS insurance with the working spouse's consent.

Q & A

What is Republic Act 7192?

Republic Act 7192, also known as the Women in Development and Nation Building Act, is an act that promotes the integration of women as full and equal partners with men in development and nation building.

What was the historical context of women's rights prior to Republic Act 7192?

Before Republic Act 7192, women were not entitled to the same rights and privileges as men. They were not allowed to vote, often had to surrender their property to their husbands upon marriage, and had limited educational and occupational opportunities.

How does women's participation in nation building contribute to society?

Women's greater role in nation building can lead to economic and political stability, especially in post-conflict countries, contributing to a more equitable, peaceful, and prosperous society.

What does the state do to ensure equality between women and men according to Republic Act 7192?

The state recognizes the role of women in nation building and ensures the fundamental equality before the law of women and men. It also provides women with rights and opportunities equal to those of men.

What percentage of the budget must be allocated for gender concerns as per RA 7192?

At least five percent of the total budget must be set aside for gender concerns.

Which government agency is responsible for ensuring women's participation in foreign aid grants and loans?

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) is responsible for ensuring women's participation as recipients in foreign aid grants and loans.

What are the specific responsibilities of government departments under RA 7192?

Government departments must ensure women benefit equally from and participate directly in development programs and projects funded under official foreign development assistance. They must also review and revise regulations to remove gender bias.

What is the role of the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women in RA 7192?

The National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women assists NEDA in ensuring the participation of women in national development and their integration.

What are the key areas that government departments must focus on to integrate women in development?

Government departments must focus on formulating rural development programs, assessing the impact of programs on women, ensuring active participation of women in development programs, and assisting women in activities critical to their self-reliance and development.

How does RA 7192 address women's capacity to act in contractual situations?

Women of legal age, regardless of civil status, shall have the capacity to act and enter into contracts equal to that of men under similar circumstances, including borrowing, obtaining loans, and executing security and credit arrangements.

What rights does RA 7192 grant to married women regarding membership in clubs and admission to military schools?

Married women have equal rights to membership in social, civic, and recreational clubs. They also have equal opportunities for appointment, admission, training, graduation, and commissioning in military or similar schools of the armed forces and national police.

What provisions does RA 7192 make for voluntary coverage under government insurance systems for housewives?

Married persons who manage the household full-time can be entitled to voluntary coverage under the GSIS, SSS, or other government insurance systems, with contributions based on half of the working spouse's salary.