GAD is a development perspective that recognizes the unequal status and situation of women and men in society. Women and men have different development needs and interests, which is institutionalized and perpetuated by cultural, social, economic and political norms, systems and structures.
As a development approach, GAD seeks to equalize the status and condition of and relations between women and men by influencing the process and output of policy-making, planning, budgeting, implementation and monitoring, and evaluation so that they would deliberately address the gender issues and concerns affecting the full development of women.
Means giving more opportunities to those who have less and those who are historically and socially disadvantaged based on their needs for them to operate on a level playing field. “Focusing on the needs of women does not mean discriminating against men or putting them at a disadvantage”
UN–CEDAW (United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women) recognized the need to remove the biases against and provide special attention to women through affirmative action. It is a temporary measure that will be discontinued when the objectives of equality of opportunity and treatment have been achieved.
Is the Philippine government’s strategy for making agencies work for women’s empowerment and gender equality.
It is the process of analyzing existing development paradigms, practices, and goals; assessing the implications for women and men of existing legislation policies, programs, projects, and mechanisms.
