Assessment on the Relationship of the Effectiveness of the Gender and Development (GAD) Programs on the Teachers’ Attitudes and Perceptions Concerning Gender-Related Issues: A Proposed Action Plan

Abstract

This study was intended to assess the effectiveness of Gender and Development (GAD) programs of the Division of City Schools-Manila and the perceptions and attitudes of the teachers. This study used the descriptive-correlational study to test the relationship of perceptions and attitudes of the respondents on gender- related issues such as gender gap, gender inequality, sexual harassment, gender in curriculum, and gender stereotypes and the GAD programs of the DCS-Manila. The participants in this study were the Social Studies teachers in DCS-Manila. The research survey-questionnaire was the primary instrument used, which was undergone modifications from the experts. One (1) from the Division of City Schools-Manila’s GAD Focal Point System, another, from the Principal of Tondo High School and the Former member of DCS-Manila GAD Coordinators, and lastly, personnel from the Philippine Commission of Women (PCW) before it was distributed to the respondents. After the full implementation of the study, the data gathered was analyzed and interpreted using Pearson-r to determine the significant relationship of GAD Programs of the DCS-Manila and the perceptions and attitudes of the teachers on gender-related issues. The Social Studies teachers assessed the GAD programs of the DCS- Manila and it was revealed to as effective. Regarding on the perceptions on gender-related issues, it was shown that they are aware and knowledgeable about the existing issues in schools. Moreover, the attitudes of the teachers on the gender-related issues are said to be highly positive. However, the results of the testing of relationship of GAD programs and the perceptions and attitudes of the respondents have acquired a low correlation, this means that the GAD programs are effective but limited to the improvement of awareness and point of views of the respondents regarding the gender-related issues. Therefore, the researcher intended to propose a GAD program that is designed to address the different practices of teachers and schools with gender-related issues in the Division of City Schools-Manila. Moreover, the proposed program can be applied also to all schools of different Divisions in the Philippines to increase the level of perceptions and attitudes of the teachers about the Gender and Development. The program also gives ideas on how to improve the best practices to abolish the gender-related issues found in school. Keywords: Gender and Development (GAD), Gender equality, Gender sensitivity, Gender empowerment, Gender issues, Gender mainstreaming, Gender stereotypes DOI: 10.7176/JEP/12-23-02 Publication date: August 31 st 2021