Introduction
It was said that good governance can only come about in a gender-responsive environment - one that enhances the abilities of women and men to contribute to and benefit from development. (The Philippine Framework Plan for Women, 1994)
The Philippine Constitution guarantees the fundamental equality of women and men before the law. It also recognizes the role of women in nation building. Republic Act (RA) No. 9710, otherwise known as the 2009 Magna Carta of Women (MCW), seeks to increase women's participation and their equitable representation in decision-making and policy-making processes in government. These are major requirements for women to fully realize their role as agents and beneficiaries of development. (Section 11, Magna Carta of Women)
On the other hand, RA 7192, otherwise known as the Women in Development and Nation Building Act, mandates government agencies to implement a Gender and Development (GAD) mainstreaming policy that entails the incorporation of gender perspective in particular agency policies and programs, and processes.
As such, all government agencies, such as the Commission on Elections, are duty-bound to: (a) refrain from discriminating against women and violating their rights; (b) protect women against discrimination and from violation of their rights by private corporations, entities and individuals; and (c) promote and fulfill the rights of women in all spheres, including their rights to substantive equality and non-discrimination.
Thus, the Commission established a policy on Gender and Development by the end of 2011. On April 17, 2012, the Commission En Banc approved and signed Resolution No. 12-0369, promulgating a Gender and Development (GAD) Policy.
The Resolution mandates the Commission to adopt the GAD Policy and confirms the creation of its GAD Focal Point. The GAD Focal Point is crucial in mainstreaming the GAD framework in the Commission's policy guidelines and program plans.
Source: GAD Committee
