CHED: Gender inequality still exists

Summary

Gender inequality in the ASEAN region remains a pressing issue, despite progress made through international agreements like the World Declaration on Education for All and the Sustainable Development Goals. Women’s higher education enrollment has increased, yet leadership roles in universities and career opportunities remain dominated by men. Sexual harassment continues to be a challenge, and efforts such as the ASEAN Leaders' Consensus aim to protect women’s rights. Patricia LaQuan stresses the need for women to embrace power, form nurturing partnerships, and take sustained action to address these challenges and drive change.

Takeaways

• 😀 More than half of the population in the ASEAN region is female, highlighting the importance of addressing gender disparities in employment and education.
• 😀 There is a growing need to close the gender gap in educational and employment opportunities, as emphasized by PDV and SRIA Fernandez's campaign.
• 😀 International agreements such as the World Declaration, Beijing Platform for Action, and Sustainable Development Goals have contributed to efforts to close gender disparities.
• 😀 Despite these international efforts, gender inequality remains a persistent issue globally, with progress still to be made.
• 😀 One example of progress is the rise in the number of women pursuing higher education, though it hasn't yet translated into equal career opportunities.
• 😀 In the Philippines, men still dominate top positions in leading universities, with 69% of these positions held by men.
• 😀 Even in progressive countries, gender disparities in leadership roles and workplace opportunities persist.
• 😀 Sexual harassment remains a significant issue, despite efforts to address it, continuing to affect women in various sectors.
• 😀 There have been various initiatives to address gender inequality, including declarations, projects, and conferences.
• 😀 The ASEAN Leaders signed the Consensus on the Promotion and Protection of Migrant Workers' Rights in 2017, an important step in protecting women's rights.
• 😀 Three key actions recommended by Patricia LaQuan to bridge the gender gap are: empowering women to use power, fostering nurturer partnerships, and ensuring sustained action to combat gender inequality.

Q & A

What is the significance of addressing the gender gap in the ASEAN region?

The gender gap in employment and educational opportunities between men and women in the ASEAN region is significant because more than half of the population is female. Addressing this gap is crucial for fostering equality and empowering women.

What international agreements have been adopted to address gender inequality?

Several international agreements have been adopted to address gender inequality, including the World Declaration on Education for All, the Beijing Platform for Action, and the Millennium and Sustainable Development Goals.

Has the adoption of international agreements successfully eradicated gender inequality?

Despite the adoption of international agreements, gender inequality still persists. These agreements have helped alter the fate of women, but they have not fully resolved the issue.

What is an example of a gender gap in higher education?

One example is the rise in the number of women pursuing higher education, which surpasses the number of men. However, this has not always translated into better career opportunities for women.

What issue persists in the workforce despite higher education access for women?

Although women have better access to higher education, top positions in leading universities, particularly in the Philippines, remain dominated by men, highlighting a gender gap in career advancement.

What are some of the challenges women still face in the workforce?

Women still face challenges such as a lack of career advancement opportunities, underrepresentation in top positions, and the ongoing issue of sexual harassment in the workplace.

What initiative was introduced to address migrant workers' rights in ASEAN?

In 2017, the ASEAN Leaders signed the ASEAN Consensus on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers, a significant step in addressing the challenges faced by migrant workers, including women.

What three key actions did Patricia LaQuan highlight as essential for addressing gender inequality?

Patricia LaQuan emphasized three key actions: 1) Women and women's groups should learn to use power and feel comfortable with it; 2) Building nurturing partnerships; 3) Taking sustained action toward gender equality.

Why is it important for women to learn to use power, according to Patricia LaQuan?

It is important for women to learn to use power because there is nothing inherently masculine about power, and being comfortable with power is essential for advancing gender equality.

How do developed and progressive countries experience gender inequality?

Even in rich and progressive countries, gender inequality persists, as evidenced by the underrepresentation of women in top positions and the challenges they face in achieving career advancement.