Gender roles and livelihood analysis of CESTEEPH stakeholders as basis for planning and implementing gender-responsive projects

Abstract

The University Program, Community Empowerment through Science and Technology, Education, Environment Protection and Health (CESTEEPH) is a collaborative and community-based program promoting ecological development and empowerment of mangrove communities in Gonzaga, Cagayan. The success of the program lies on the better understanding of the social and economic condition and gender roles of its stakeholders using gender perspective. This research examines socio-economic information, livelihood activities of the community, and gender roles performed by men and women including their practical and strategic needs. Data collected from 184 respondents from three fishing communities in Gonzaga, Cagayan are disaggregated and presented by sex where gender gaps are analysed including identified practical and strategic needs. Harvard Analytical Framework Tools are used for data gathering with the help of a devised questionnaire for gathering socio-economic data guided by Moser’s Triple Gender Roles as framework for the research. It is found out that gender stereotypes are still evident in the performance of gender roles. Women perform multi-tasking in their reproductive and productive roles while experiencing inequality with respect to opportunities to earn income, as women are tied up to the home performing their household chores while males focus on productive roles. Access to and control over resources of men and women varies in every community. Women basically need opportunities to leadership related to community management roles which are usually attributed to men. It is recommended that development program planners consider gender roles in designing projects to benefit both men and women.